2. Blocked Drains
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  4. Is the Landlord or Tenant responsible for a blocked or clogged drain?

Is the Landlord or Tenant responsible for a blocked or clogged drain?

Blocked drains can sometimes become complicated and confusing for most tenants and landlords due to the processes usually required in diagnosing these types of problems. The issues may not always be prevalent in most circumstances until you get a plumber to check out why and where your blockages are actually coming from. In most circumstances, however, the landlord is responsible to ensure a property is fit to live in and is also in a safe state of repair. The tenant is responsible for maintaining a property and keeping it clean and free from damage.

Unfortunately, not everything works harmoniously and sometimes accidents and emergencies can happen so who pays for what when it comes to blocked drains?

Water in sink going down drain

Who is responsible for the repair of a blocked drain?

According to the Residential Tenancies Authority In Queensland :

The Landlord is responsible for a blocked drain if:

  • The landlord caused the damage.
  • A drainpipe blockage is a result of fair wear and tear e.g tree roots, age and storm damage.
  • If the damage is nobody's fault. As the property owner, the Landlord takes responsibility.

The Tenant is responsible for a blocked drain if:

  • The tenant has caused the blockage accidentally. e.g hair clogging up a bathroom pipe or objects accidentally falling into a sink.
  • The tenant has caused damage resulting in a drain blockage.

The tenant is also responsible for the removal of any items that may have caused the blockage including paying for the cost of removal and any damage as a result.

A blocked drain can sometimes become an emergency which requires the Tenant to act quickly in order to prevent further damage to property. In these types of circumstances and scenarios, the Tenant could contact a plumber like ourselves and work out the responsibilities later with the Landlord.

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So what are the most common causes of a blocked drain?

  • Human hair, fats and solids
  • Wet Wipes, hygiene and sanitary products
  • Storm damage
  • Plants and dirt and tree roots damaging pipes

Don’t ignore drainage problems due to blocked drains.

Drainage problems should never be left to the last minute or forgotten about as they can become a major health issue for your family:

  • Stale and stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria causing all sorts of harmful problems ranging from Typhoid to peptic ulcer disease
  • Leaking blockages can cause issues with structural integrity and allow mould to form in unseen locations.

Need help with blocked drains in your rental property in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast? Contact our drain specialists today.

Blocked sewer & stormwater drains help

Contact Reline Solutions' team of specialist drain plumbers for drain-clearing services in your area at 0403 355 550 .

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