Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

My neighbors left their faucets running and that caused a flood in my apartment. The apartment management company insisted I leave about seven fans running for four days to dry out the carpet and walls. I was wondering if I could ask my apartment company to reimburse part of my utility bill. The fans were running to repair damage to property I don't own. In fact, none of my property actually benefited from the fans running constantly. I did not cause any of the damage done to the apartment; my neighbor, my apartment management company's client, was responsible for that. I don't believe I should my liable for the entire electric bill. Am I on the hook for all of it, or is it reasonable and legal to ask my apartment management company to reimburse a portion of the utility bill?

Could I persuade my apartment managers to pay a part of my utility bill then bill the negligent neighbor as part of the cost of the damage?


Asked on 2/04/10, 5:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paula McGill Paula McGill Attorney at Law

One option is to demand reimbursement from the tenant who negligently left the water running. If the tenant refuses to reimburse you, you can sue him/her. If you sue, you should bring the bills that show your average usage. Therefore, the judge will have some type of idea of the increased costs caused by the tenant.

Also licensed and practicing in New York

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Answered on 2/10/10, 4:33 pm


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