We have a family of 5 living in one of our SF for the last 3 years. Since they have 5 kids and hubby is a softie for kids, we have been paying for issues that have arisen with their well pump. Our contract states that they are responsible for water, septic, etc. but since we have covered the cost of repairs before (new pump, repair a broken pipe that they broke...) they now expect us to jump each time things go wrong with their water well. The well guy has been called and we'll see what he finds. Since we have set a precedent before, I wonder if I should just remind her of what the contract states and tell her to take care of any problems that come up in the future.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

I would think that supplying a usable water supply is part of what they are paying rent for. If the pipe is broken because of their negligence, they should be billed for it. Such as, they drove across the lawn, pipe broke because they drove an extra heavy truck over it. Of course, then one asks if the pipe was buried far enough or if the pipe was in a location that no one should drive over for any reason, etc.

For actual pump issues, I would expect the landlord to be responsible. I would expect that the property owner is required to provide them with a usable well and pump, and pay for any testing that needs done. If the pump goes due to age or breakage under normal wear and tear, that is on the LL.

We put in a new well just 2 and 1/2 years ago. The well "guy" is always blaming them for all the issues that have come up since then however, I can see why he would do that. I just spoke to her this morning and explained that I'll be taking care of this problem (which btw falls under the warranty the well guy gave me last year) one last time. From this point forward, it's on her. I explained that it was agreed to in the contract and she seemed to be OK with it. We'll see.

Your pump should be under warranty. What kind of issues? Is this a rental with a lease or a contract for deed situation?

What exactly are the problems that they could have caused with a new well and pump (new being less than 5 years old)? As a LL you are responsible for habitability, water and septic come under that. (if municipal supplied, they could be responsible for paying the fees though)

IF they are doing something that is breaking those, something that is not normal use, then they are responsible, but if you bought an undersized pump, then that is still on you. What is it that is causing the problem?

IF they are running the well dry, is it because they are taking long showers and baths with 5 kids (which you approved to rent to) or is it normal showers. I can see where 5 kids might be a wear on the well and septic, I might be hesitant to rent to that many on a well and septic.

Yeah, sorry, but I tend to think that you are responsible for this unless it is something that is their fault.

With DRAINS/septic, things are very different. It is usually easy to determine what went wrong -- such as finding a diaper clogging the line when your lease clearly states that those cannot be flushed. So, you have it fixed and bill the tenant for the damage.

But the well pump is completely different. I don't see how this could be their fault. And I think you are making a mistake if you think you can just go "I'm fixing the well pump this last time, but it is on you from here on out!" That just isn't how it works.

- John...

Curious, what's the flow rate and depth? Do they pump it straight from the ground or does it go into a tank first?

Can you put them on municipal water system and use the well for yard irrigation, or not use it at all?