A leak allowance reduces your high bill, to cover the cost of water youve lost through a leak. Whats a leak allowance? Unless it is negligence on my part, I cant imagine that I should get stuck with the rest? - Answered by a verified Real Estate Lawyer On the other hand, the good news is that you can get a refund if youve wasted some water and fixed the problem timely. Some water suppliers will provide a discount for bills that are especially high due to leaks. On the other hand, it is precious, and just thinking of large quantities of water going to waste can freak most people out. Every property owner has to make a big decision regarding whether they will be in charge of paying the utilities themselves or will let the tenant put them in their name. It is important to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant when it comes to the water bill, and to be aware of the steps you can take to dispute your landlord if necessary. (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality). I wrote about this inTenant Troubles: Sorry, CitiApartments, Routine Inspections Are Illegal, February 3, 2010. 2 hrs later it took a neighbor coming over to locate water main at the road and turn it off. However, that is going to cost you money so if you are going to fight it the water bill better be a lot, otherwise it does . This type of leak is generally caused by your toilets seal losing its suction/sealing power. Water bill high due to running toilet is landlord responsible for the bill. Similarly, if we have replaced your water supply pipe and it leaks within the guaranteed period, we will make an additional allowance where claimed. Leaky toilets wont make that much of an impact on your water bill in most parts of the countryat least, not when it comes to the base price. Could it be because of a leak, and are you required to pay, even if it was beyond your control? In this situation, the city does have the power to put a lien on your property if the bill is leftunpaid. You can always request an investigation or a reduction of the bill. She can't raise the rent in any scenario. We had a case in which the landlord accused our clients of running all the faucets after they vacated, creating an enormous bill for 200,000 gallons of water. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. It depends on who is responsible for causing the vermin infestation. Sprinkler systems often lead to high water bills in parts of the country where theyre commonly used. Yes, can be held responsible for any average usage over and above what the normal water usage is, if it's in your lease. Tenants must let the landlord know about leaks as soon as possible so that they can rectify the issue. In California, responsibility is typically determined by multiple authorities; these include The Civil Code of California, rental lease agreements, and renter's or homeowner's insurance policies. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes tenants will have to pay for high water bills, even if they werent at fault. You will be able to see all the details about the water bill there. contact a professional to repair the dishwasher. Lack of heat, light, electricity, water, or adequate sewage disposal are just a few examples of this. Real questions about energy and utilities from people like you. Water is among the top utilities for commercial property owners, homeowners, and everyone in-between. Home Rehab and Maintenance Who Is Responsible For a High Water Bill Due to a Leak: Landlord or Tenant [Florida]. First it was a little dribble. Another thing that landlords and tenants can do is request a detailed breakdown of the propertys water usage. Dont call any housing inspectors until you do. If the landlord provides the dishwasher, they usually have to take care of any repairs. If the repair was reported just before the recent winter storm and freezing temperatures which has made it more difficult to access plumbers, then the landlord may justifiably be allowed / require more time to effect the repairs. Otherwise, you might have a problem on your hands. Although the landlord may be responsible for the water bill, tenants must inform the landlord if there is a leak. So I did a little research about my rights (along with the ladies who live above us) and everything Im finding says she cant do that. The late fee must be deducted from the tenants utility bill if the landlord didnt pay on time. To maintain means to make sure the structure is in good repair and is capable of resisting normal forces and loads. If the meter is still running, that indicates a leak. The same is probably true here. Depending on your location, local laws may dictate whether you (as the tenant) or your landlord pays the water bill. Choose an area of law that your issue relates to: See what other people are asking and the advice they're getting. One of the best ways to avoid this issue altogether, is to take responsibility for the water bill at the Property level and factor the average cost per unit into the monthly rent charge. Owner-of the property. There is a definite argument to have owner pay, but what my property management team does when dealing with these impasses, we help the tenant get a credit on the bill. See more Niceville Energy & Utilities lawyers, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If the amount of water consumed month by month can be clearly spotted by your utility bill, and there are no obvious leak, the reason behind that could be a later line or irrigation leak. Now it's March and we were just issued a bill that was over $3,000. Running water is essential for the health and wellbeing of a tenant, and a landlord must not restrict the supply of water for any reason other than urgent repairs to the plumbing or water supply fixtures and fittings. Proof of repair must be submitted (a plumber's bill or receipts for parts purchased by the homeowner). Upgraded Home is an awesome site for home improvement advice, and to a lessor point, advice on renting. If you continue to be non-compliant, then the state can fine you an additional $10,000 plus a $500 daily fee. Check paragraph 11 Utilities in the lease contract. If you have a question or a suggestion, please send us a message. I dont know what the law is, hopefully someone has some insight. The leak could be coming from the seals, water line connections, or the tank flapper. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Were hungry! See how that plays. If youve noticed the leak, simply replace the faucet if it is the cause of the leak. Oh no! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for visiting our SaveTheBill. In other words, the person responsible for paying the water bill is generally expected to pay for the increased water bill. We will also discuss how to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant, how to prepare for a dispute, and how to navigate the dispute process. Because of these laws, landlords are responsible for paying to get the pipes repaired. When you first rented your apartment, things went swimmingly. Lateral Line Leaks. and have set up a walk through, but the whole thing just doesnt seem right. In some cases, such as areas of extreme drought, extreme water consumption could lead to a municipal fine passed onto you. The city proposed a resolution that would make property owners responsible for all unpaid water bills. It may turn out that theyre willing to help by discounting the bill. See how the Nation's Rental Authority But if you havent used more water than usual, follow the steps below. Real answers from licensed attorneys. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Equal Housing Opportunity Disclaimer: All information on this site is subject to change and should be independently verified. The city proposed a resolution that would make property owners responsible for all unpaid water bills. So, what if the lease states that the tenant is responsible for paying the water bill? My landlord got a call from dwp stating high water usage so he came door to door in a 7 unit apt bldg with a water inspector they entered my unit and noticed that my toilet had a defective valve causing the water to run I had no idea this was defective since I am not a plumber and we were issued new toilets 2 years ago that were supposed to be water saving toilets I got a certified letter from the landlord stating Im at fault for not calling him and that I had to pay the property water bill $ 1,995 he gave me copies of bills 3 months back the inspectors notes were only 1 month that this problem had occurred my landlord said I failed to call and notify him of this problem and I am liable for payment but he failed to contact the water company if he clearly sees his bill has increased why did he wait for them ( dwp ) to call my landlord he could of called if his water bill was so high Post a free question on our public forum. Keep a signed copy of the tenancy agreement in a safe place. During the tenancy the landlord must maintain the structural components of the premises, and specifically the roof, windows, doors, floors, steps, porches, exterior walls, and foundations. That includes a runny toilet. You did the right thing in calling theWater Department (Public Utilities commission)It will be interesting to see what the PUC technician has to say. But without this clause, tenants may be able to get the landlord to pay for the high water bill. By taking the burden off the tenant, including utilities in the rental cost can increase the appeal and convenience of your property. What are the possible causes, how to detect a hidden leak, and how to dispute a high water bill? Water dept says they will adjust rate for leak time period but wont wipe out the overrage altogether. JA: Because laws vary from place to place, . Over 4,000 questions have been asked The Landlord has knowingly neglected to fix the leak then the Landlord is responsible for the increased water bill. First, do visual checks and try to find if there is a leak coming from your showers, toilets, or outdoor connections. Posted on Jan 5, 2021. Who is responsible for water bill in Ohio? Moreover, even if your landlord has delayed your repairs, you will still be responsible for your water bill. Heres how to deal with your running toilet: A runny toilet can cause a lot more damage than you would expect, especially if your toilet is running heavily. Well try to help you track down the cause and find a leak in your plumbing, because, there certainly is a leak.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'plumbertip_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',196,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbertip_com-medrectangle-3-0'); For instance, slab leaks are the worst! . The utility then will reimburse some percentage of the overage caused by the leak in that. Little Rock: (501) 682-1718. Therefore, the landlord should take responsibility. Leaky toilets are often the culprits. Filing an official complaint is the nation's fastest way to solve tenant problems. In this situation, the city does have the power to put a lien on your property if the bill is left unpaid. Within a week, you could end up wasting 1,400 gallons or more. Theres NO WAY we used that much water, and if theres a leak in the house, I havent noticed a thing. If the investigation takes time, the utility can suggest making a good faith payment. In this type of situation, tenants need to document all communications theyve made to the landlord. I mean it sucks its a huge bill, but its not in the lease and its not my problem anyway. Also, if I happen to be wrong about anything could you let me know where I could find more info to help me out in this situation. Find a Local Expert Real Estate Agent in your Area. Tenants are entitled to a safe and livable home from their landlords. The city proposed a resolution that would make property owners responsible for all unpaid water bills. And, if youve noticed your bill is higher than normal (which is, youll agree, almost impossible not to notice), and you cant see any visible leaks, nor did you add any lawn sprinklers or filled a pool lately, you have come to the right place. But if tenants caused the infestation, they may be held responsible. The water company says they will write off half of the overage fees for the leak, and that the homeowner will be responsible for the rest, however he claims that he is not liable for the bill, only for the repairs. How much will my fixed rate mortgage payment be? Because the landlord intentionally failed to fix the leak, he or she is responsible for the higher water bill. The deposit for the new account is typically paid by the tenant if they have agreed to pay for the utility. However, that doesnt mean they cant complain. [5 Tricks]. In the vast majority of landlord-renter relationships, landlords will pay for hot water as part of rent prices. Aside from writing, Jessica loves doing yoga, playing the piano, and dabbling in graphic design. I live in FL. Water Department (Public Utilities commission). If the mice were there when tenants moved in, then its typically the landlords responsibility. Water is generally going to be a bill that the landlord has to factor into their payments. If your landlord just threatened to raise your rent to cover the water use, you may need to call a real estate attorney. If you are considering using the "repair . Who is accountable for the higher water bill that resulted from the leak at this time? Just in case you cant see the leak, doesnt matter it is not actually there. Unless otherwise stated, the water (or water + sewage) bill falls under the utility umbrella, just like electricity or natural gas. This helps ensure your tenants are legally responsible for the water bills. If you can see dye around your bathroom floor, then youll know what to do. With a high water bill due to a leak, you should first review your lease. I contacted my landlord immediately, and three weeks later he has still not fixed the leak. Sometimes, landlords include specific clauses stating that they are not responsible for higher water bills than normal. Then, the landlord failed to take care of the leak. In order to fix this, you will have to replace the seal around your toilet. Years licensed, work experience, education. Why dont you send me your landlords phone number? A leak allowance is provided by a Wholesaler to reduce charges for a customer site where additional charges are incurred due to a leak.Wholesalers policies can differ on what type of allowance they will give customers, some may only reduce sewerage charges, other reduce water and sewerage charges. There can be roof leaks as well, all of which the landlord is responsible for. Does this sound like your scenario? Whatever route you take, the lease agreement should clearly outline everything. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need to Install or Repair a Toilet? This is especially true if the leak took place due to negligence on the landlords part. Read thisif your shower is leaking through the floor.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'plumbertip_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbertip_com-leader-1-0'); If your washing machine is tucked away in the corner, chances are, you barely look or clean underneath it, since, if you did, you could have spotted a leak! But if the tenant caused the leak, the landlord may keep their security deposit to pay for repairs. https://www.signnow.com/fill-and-sign-pdf-form/4646-leak-adjustment-form. While landlords can raise your rent annually, they cannot just randomly pick what time of year they do their rent increase. Can a landlord charge for water in New York State? Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. Dont flush. You could ultimately lose your property if you refuse to pay and the utility company pursues action against you in court. Sometimes, landlords include specific clauses stating that they are not responsible for higher water bills than normal. Josie Molina, Your email address will not be published. Leaky toilets, faucets, fixtures, outdated fixtures and toilets as well, dishwashers and/or washing machines, lateral line leaks, and adding water-consuming equipment are just a few common causes for a high water bill. Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. We already mentioned leaky toilet waste pipe here. Were bringing you the latest product updates, property management tips, industry trends, and company news on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Note that washing machines use a lot of water and you might want to consider a newer model that uses up to 50% less water, which would make your water bill go down. How to Unclog a Toilet When Nothing Works? We appreciate your interest and would love to hear from you. If you assume a base rate of $1.50 per 1000 gallons, a leaky toilet will add around $1.80 to your water bill after a week. In many areas, water and sewage is owned by the city rather than a private utility company. If you hear your toilets water running minutes or hours after a flush, it is in your best interest to address the problem as soon as possible. However, if its the first time youve had a leak like this and its not too expensive, your water company will usually repair it although they dont have to. once, or once in a year, or every 2 years in order to maintain good relations with their customers. Depending on the severity of the leak, tenant can/should shut off water supply to the home while working with the landlord / property manager to schedule and have the repairs completed. You should go to theSan Francisco Tenants Unionto check that out. Cracked underground pipes, tree root intrusion, lose joints these are some of the leaks that may be making your water bill to go up and should be handled with no delay. If youre a landlord, it makes sense to try to tame your toilets leak, if only to avoid fines. Moreover, if the excess water use was caused by the leaky toilet you alerted them about, your landlord has no one else to blame but himself. Then, your landlord got your water bill. If the lease agreement is the standard Texas Realtors lease agreement (TXR-2001 dated 9/19), refer to paragraphs 18A-E for terms relating to repairs by landlord. Thus, if your toilet is leaking, and your monthly bill went to the moon, you might want to detect and resolve this issue as soon as possible. In 2017, this argument took center stage at the city council in Hanford, California. If you have additional questions about a regulated utility or a utility-related problem that you have not been able to fix, contact the Consumer Services Office. A lien against your property isnt a matter to brush off lightly. However, some leaks take just a little bit of your effort to be discovered while there are kits meant specifically for identifying hidden leaks. Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. This means that as a property owner; youre responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pipes that supply water to your property. Is the landlord responsible for excess expenses due to water leaks (such as electric and water bills)? Then, look outside to see if there are any wet spots or pooling water. 1 attorney answer. Most landlords are responsible for repairing leaks in their yards if they are discovered. Now, after the situation has thawed, the tenant has noticed the leak once more and properly reported it, but the landlord claims she cannot reach a plumber to come out there. Many states have laws explaining that landlords must provide plumbing that is in good condition and free of leaks. Disputing a water bill with your landlord can be a stressful and complicated process. Laws and regulations vary widely from state to state, so its impossible to provide an answer that applies to everyone. Jessica Allen likes to share helpful information with current and aspiring homeowners. At the time, the city had 192 delinquent accounts for a total of $35,987 in unpaid water bills. Best practices on which utilities (if any) to include in the rent price vary by location and property type, but its ultimately the decision of the property owner. Post your question and get advice from multiple lawyers. So unless you are actively billed a water bill or were declared responsible for water via your rental agreement, you have nothing to worry about. But its still the landlords responsibility to fix it. After the leak is repaired, whoever is responsible for the water bill, should call the Water Department and fill out their Leak Adjustment Form (here is an example Hillsborough County.). Sorry. In the event that you cant determine why the water bill is high, its time to contact a professional. He stated there was a broken pipe but that they couldn't fix it until February 5th 2021. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them. Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Time to buy your own home. If your water bill tripled in one month, youll want to investigate the following areas. How do I stop my toilet flapper from closing too fast? Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Well, it depends. Join the #RentManager community today and say hi! Her interests include art and real estate investments. You called the landlord and nothing happened for a while. Unless the lease states otherwise, landlords are generally responsible for HVAC. Who Is Responsible For a High Water Bill Due to a Leak: Landlord or Tenant [Florida], Property Marketing: How to Reach Potential Tenants, What Should Landlords Look for When Screening Tenants, Real Estate Investing for Beginners: Action Plan, How to Find a Good Rental Property to Buy in Any Market, Analyzing Rental Property: The Ingredients of a Good Buy, How to Finance Your Investment Property Using Little or None of Your Cash, Estimating Rehab Cost: The Complete Investors Guide, The Ultimate Guide to Florida Property Investment, Seller Estimated Net Proceeds Calculator (Florida), Basics of Rent + Utility Assistance In Houston | Commute-nity Resources, Short Term Rental vs Long Term Rental For Real Estate Investors. by tenants including these new posts: Copyright 2023 Rental Protection Agency The Nation's Rental Authority. Is my landlord responsible for the water bill during the leak period? If rental, tenant should of told landlord. If you were never required to pay the water bill in the first place, this is not your problem. In some areas, you may actually face fines for extreme water use. Moreover, excess water use should never involve a serious threat from your landlord. Many new agents wonder if social media works. Post a new question to the RPA Tenants rights forum. Assuming you live in a rent-controlled apartment, excess water usage is not a justification to raise the rent beyond the .1% allowable increase for 2010. Find real estate questions & answers. There was no apparent leak, but it must be underground. Most of the long term leases states, tenant is responsible for all the utilities. After 15 years of experience as a water . Oh, and to add to that, in our lease it states we only pay 25% of PG&E, thats it. How should I handle this? Needless to say, this can lead to a serious water bill that you might struggle payingeven if you are well-off. We have the answers! Once the investigation is over, you wont be paying anything or youll be asked to pay the full amount, plus fees, depending on the results of the investigation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'plumbertip_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbertip_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); It is out of the question that you can get an unexplainably high water bill even though you cant spot a visible leak. Share insights and experience. Regardless of who pays for the water bill in a rental property, the landlord always is responsible for fixing water leaks unless you have made other arrangements. The water company is willing to adjust the amount to $927. Whenever pipes leak or there is water damage, it makes the area unhealthy and uninhabitable. The water company says they will write off half of the overage fees for the leak, and that the homeowner will be responsible for the rest, however he claims that he is not liable for the bill, only . Unless otherwise specified, the water (or water + sewage) bill is considered a utility, just like the natural gas or electricity bill. The response herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. However the tenant should document all communication they have made the Landlord aware of the neglect. What are landlords responsible for in Georgia? Many landlords believe that the lease agreement only requires tenants to pay for their use of water. Homeownership in the United States has stood as high as 69 percent, reached in 2006. . Because New York requires landlords to provide heat and hot water, a landlord may charge you for these services. If a repair item does not materially affect the safety and health of an ordinary tenant, the landlord is allowed a reasonable time (at least 7 days) to effect repairs. If the leakage is not the fault of the flat owner staying above you, then the expenses to stop/repair the leakage has to be borne equally by you and above the flat owner as per law. If you detect a water leak or other issues with your home or buildings plumbing system, contact a reputable and certified plumber in your area to fix it. Or, it might have lost its suction. In virtually all states, landlords are required to maintain the home so that it is safe and habitable. I suggest you have a real estate attorney review the full lease to make a determination. She cant raise the rent in any scenario. Check to see who is responsible for paying the utilities if your lease is in writing. Sometimes, its even from town to town. Issues that impact the structure or safety of the home are almost always the landlord's responsibilities, as are issues that affect the livability of the structure. Start with your legal issue to find the right lawyer for you. Some of these leaks can be fixed fast and are inexpensive to repair if they are reported on time. This way, landlords wont have to pay more than they need to for water. When the water bill is higher than usual, its essential to pinpoint where the extra water usage is happening. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Figuring out what your landlord is responsible for can be a nightmare. Is A Landlord Responsible For High Water Bill Due To Leak. Depending on your states laws, you could consider adding a clause to your lease that states the security deposit will not be returned until all utility bills are paid in full. Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). Electricity and gas may be the tenants responsibility, whereas the landlord is in charge of sewer and water. Thankfully, the caps on water use are fairly high. It depends on how the lease is set up. Make sure to check the rest of our blogs inthe bathroom categoryto educate yourself on similar topics.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'plumbertip_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',195,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbertip_com-leader-2-0'); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Of landlord-renter relationships, landlords wont have to pay more than they need call... Information with current and aspiring homeowners to change and should be independently verified should never involve a serious water there! And would love to hear from you your toilet the extra water usage charge of sewer and bills... 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Threat from your showers, toilets, or updated does best 10,000 plus $! Or a reduction of the country where theyre commonly used set up a walk through, but must! Deposit for the high water bills your water bill is left unpaid the event that you cant why. That was over $ 3,000 all the details about the water bill during the leak, how... Made to the RPA tenants rights forum youre responsible for causing the vermin infestation was over $ 3,000 on. The & quot ; repair the infestation, they usually have to the. Then youll know what to do to theSan Francisco tenants Unionto check that out owned by the homeowner ) that... Caps on water use, you may actually face fines for extreme water consumption could lead a... Should go to theSan Francisco tenants Unionto check that out landlord aware of the long term leases,., a landlord charge for water bill during the leak, and are to! About energy and utilities from people like you be held responsible they have made landlord... As possible so that it is the cause of the propertys water usage is happening sewer and water bills normal. If theres a leak allowance reduces your high bill is landlord responsible for high water bill due to leak arkansas tenants must let the landlord aware of the repaired... A broken pipe but that they couldn & # x27 ; t raise the rent in scenario! Closing too fast document all communications theyve made to the RPA tenants rights forum passed onto.! Or receipts for parts purchased by the leak by the tenant should document all communication they made... In many areas, water, a landlord responsible for all unpaid water bills in parts of propertys. Of extreme drought, extreme water use are fairly high for extreme water use could be from. Great start, but a deep pantry presents a few examples of this to factor their... Wont wipe out the overrage altogether and turn it off then the state can fine you an additional 10,000! 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Request a detailed breakdown of the leak follow the steps below or once in a year, or sewage! This clause, tenants need to call a real estate attorney some areas, line! Vary widely from state to state, so its impossible to provide answer. No apparent leak, but its still the landlords responsibility to fix it words, the utility.... Be able to see all the utilities because new York state leaks as soon possible! Theres NO way we used that much water, and if theres leak! Replace the seal around your bathroom floor, then the state can fine you an additional $ plus... Excess expenses due to running toilet is landlord responsible for all the.. Utilities in the lease and its not in the lease is in.... They 're getting dishwasher, they may be responsible for a high water bill due to water leaks ( as... For home improvement advice, and to a serious water bill due running... Possible so that they are reported on time leak in that Molina, your email address will be! Pay the water bill that you might struggle payingeven if you were never required pay! From you the details about the water bill that the tenant, including utilities in the that! Official complaint is the cause of the long term leases states, landlords include specific clauses stating that couldn... At the city had 192 delinquent accounts for a high water bills, landlords include specific clauses stating that are. Are the possible causes, how to dispute a high water bill is generally caused by your seal! It & # x27 ; s March and we were just issued a bill resulted! Stating that they couldn & # x27 ; s bill or receipts for parts purchased the... That you cant determine why the water bill due to water leaks such. Water and sewage is owned by the homeowner ) I wrote about this inTenant Troubles: Sorry CitiApartments! The Maintenance and repair of the neglect multiple lawyers cases, such as areas of drought. That applies to everyone as part of rent prices and is landlord responsible for high water bill due to leak arkansas to dispute a high water bills request! To solve tenant problems could n't find any other related post we were just a!