Pipe blockages in rented apartments - who pays?

A blocked pipe can quickly become a nuisance in a rented apartment. But who bears the costs for pipe cleaning - the tenant or the landlord? The answer depends on several factors.

1. Principle: Who is responsible for the pipes?

As a general rule, the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the apartment and therefore also for the sewage pipes. However, there are exceptions, depending on who caused the blockage.

2. When does the landlord pay?

✅ Normal wear and tear: If deposits (e.g. limescale or grease) have built up over the years, this is normal wear and tear - and the landlord must bear the costs.

✅ Defective or dilapidated pipes: If the pipe blockage in rented apartments is caused by age-related damage, the landlord is liable.

✅ Shared pipes affected: If the problem is in the main pipes of the building and affects several parties, the landlord is responsible.

Do you work for a property management company and are looking for tips on how to avoid problems with your pipes? Take a look at our blog post “Tips for property managers: How to avoid problems with pipes”!

3. When does the tenant pay?

❌ Improper use: If hygiene products, wet wipes, leftover food or grease get into the pipe and cause a blockage, the tenant must pay the cleaning costs.

❌ Negligence: The tenant can also be held liable for gross negligence, for example if hair or foreign objects regularly get into the drain.

❌ Minor repair clause: Some tenancy agreements contain a clause stating that tenants must pay for minor damage up to a certain amount (e.g. €100).

Find out in our blog article “Home remedies for blocked pipes: what really helps?” how you can possibly clear your blockage yourself!

4. What to do if a blockage occurs?

1. Inform the landlord: Report the problem directly to the landlord to avoid unnecessary costs.

2. Document: Photos or videos can help if there are any uncertainties about the cause.

   
   

Conclusion on pipe blockages in rented apartments

Whether the tenant or landlord pays depends on the cause of the blockage. While landlords are liable for age-related damage, tenants are liable for improper use. A clarifying discussion often helps to avoid disputes!

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