Bedroom ceiling leak. Advice please.

[veuvegirl]

Originally Posted by AZ Manager

Small leak, is any of your stuff damaged and do you have renters insurance? How does the leak impair your use of the premises? Do you honestly think that small impairment is worth $200-300?

You said you have to keep a bowl next to your bed so it sounds very minor. If there was damage to your belongings then you file a claim with your renters insurance. The unit is very likely still habitable so good luck breaking the lease or getting your rent reduced, especially if the LL is looking at a costly repair.

Sorry not minor IMO. If I'm paying rent and have a bowl next to my bed, ridiculous! It could become far worse very quickly. Water could be pooling in the ceiling and cave in on top of the bed.

[Koale]

Originally Posted by c47v3770

I rent and live in a town house in Houston with two roommates.

About two months ago, my bedroom ceiling started to leak. It now leaks every time it rains hard and water accumulates in the balcony.
The property manager said the leak is caused by a construction flaw and the repair is extensive and will cost around 40K.
Apparently the HOA is involved also because it's also happening to the units next to us.

Right now, I'm the only one affected by this problem. If the owner decides to do the repair before our lease ends (July 31st), everyone will be affected.
I haven't talked to the owner directly but according to the property manager, he's waiting on other/cheaper contractor bids.

What are my options? We all signed a single lease. I could ask for rent offset but that won't eliminate the need for a 'water bowl' next to my bed.

Thanks for reading!

Maybe the owner will allow you to hold onto your rent until he finds a cheaper contractor, huh? Maybe you could figure out a way to politely ask this question...
Koale

[sware2cod]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

Sorry not minor IMO. If I'm paying rent and have a bowl next to my bed, ridiculous! It could become far worse very quickly. Water could be pooling in the ceiling and cave in on top of the bed.

I agree. It could be a health issue to have outside water coming into the living quarters, even going into a bucket. Could be bird droppings, pollen, mold and mildew mixed in with the water because the water first collects on the balcony. Anything that fell on the balcony is coming into the bedroom.

I bet the county health department could cite health code regulations that aren't being met.

Never mind the tripping hazard of a bucket left on the floor. I broke a bone in my foot many years ago from tripping on a bucket that I left on the floor after washing my car.

[c47v3770]

Thank you all for the feedback.

I'm not looking to break the lease since it expires on July 31st. I covered the balcony floor with a tarp and that has helped a lot so far. So I rather not complicate things and instead, deal with this situation until move-out time.

Last I heard, the landlord received another bid from a contractor. Not sure what he plans on doing next. If he were to being repairs before we move out (I doubt it) then yes, the leak would certainly impair the use of the premises. My bedroom is under one of the balconies and both balconies would be tore down. The repair would take more than a few days.

I'm still going to ask for rent offset. Even if it's $100. It's worth a shot. I'm assuming I should ask in writing?
The request would have to go through the property manager first since I don't have the LL's contact info.

Thanks

[c47v3770]

I just read the last 3 posts in the 2nd page from veuvegirl, Koale and sware2cod..

I'm keeping an eye out for mold. If mold starts to grow, it will change my whole approach to this situation.

Like I said, the tarp has helped a lot but I wish the property manager would've put more effort into fixing the issue...at least temporarily.