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Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? - Properties (3) - Nairaland

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Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by stanislaus67(m): 11:15am On Apr 04, 2018
aieromon:


This is strange. If you really pay to have access to water in your apartment,then it is the responsibility of the landlord to fix the water pump as it is now a money generating business venture.
I also assume that the landlord sells water to outsiders as well.

Any money you pay towards the repair should be deducted from future monthly payments.

I beg to differ. The ₦₦N500 he pays is for buying of fuel for pumping water and also for recharging prepaid meter for electricity. Therefore its the Tenants' responsibility to fix the sumo.

If I'm ur landlord, I will fix the sumo and increase ur rent!

4 Likes

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by onomeabuja: 11:15am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
On Sunday, 1 April 2018. A meeting was organized by the landlord of the house where I live. He mandated us (each tenants) to contribute 2,500 Naira for the repairs of the damaged machine.

I'm hell-bent on not contributing a dime because it's the responsibility of the landlord to fix anything that concerns the house. I stand to be corrected and will change my mind if I am wrong hence, the reason for seeking opinions here.

NOTE: this is not the first time we would be contributing money to fix one thing or the other, pumping machine today, tomorrow it would be transformer issue..

And I PAY MONTHLY FOR OUR BOREHOLE WATER oo



SORRY @OP, I DIN.T BORDER TO READ UR POST BT LET ME SAY THIS, @TIMES AS A TENANT, U HAVE TO B FLEXIBLE.
WHEN OUR BOREHOLE MACHINE GOT SPOILT, WE AS TENANTS CONTRIBUTED HALF OF THE MONEY ( 20,000) & OUR LANDLORD HELPED US WIT ANOTHER (20,000) MAKING 40K TO FIX THE MACHINE.SO @ TIMES, U ALSO CONSIDER FOR D LANDLORD because ITS D TENANT THAT MAKES USE OF THE SAID FACILITY.
ITS JUST LIKE TELLING NEPA TO COME & FIX UR TRANSFORMER, HMMMMM U KNW ,U MAY SPEND YEARS WITHOUT EVEN SEEING LIGHT.
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Boss13: 11:16am On Apr 04, 2018
The Landlord is responsible for all repairs and maintenance because he/she owns the asset and enjoys benefits in the form of rent from the usage of the asset and in order to continue to enjoy this benefit, he/she must ensure the asset is in good form.

However, you must review the tenancy agreement you have with your landlord or estate management company. If the contract stipulates that repairs and maintenance would be undertaken by the Tenant, then you may have to contribute. If there is no such condition in the agreement, the Landlord would be responsible for such repairs.

On the other hand and because many Landlords in Nigeria are ill exposed and vindictive, you may consider contributing to avoid future problems which may result to termination of the contract at a point you may be at a disadvantage position.

I am giving you this advice based on what is expected and what is practically obtainable and what I have experienced. I remember my bachelorhood, when I was residing on the mainland, my Landlord insisted I pay N4,000 per month as PHCN. I was paying for his power consumption and mine and there was even change. He never issued me any receipt. I discovered this after my investigation, and after paying for 3 years. I went to PHCN and they were shocked. I saw the monthly consumption and payment. I confronted him and that was the genesis of our very toxic relationship till I relocated to the island.

On the island, the estate management company is responsible for all repairs and maintenance even down to my doorknob. Any issue, I escalate and they fix it. However, if there is any delay and I can no longer wait, I can proceed to fix it, send the receipt to them and deduct it from my rent.

Hope you are able to note the difference.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Acidosis(m): 11:16am On Apr 04, 2018
Nigerians sha.


Bros, do not pay a dime, considering the fact that 24 flats pay N500 each for an undefined maintenance fee on a monthly basis. What are they maintaining if your N500 can't be put to use on this issue?

Anyone asking you to pay is a THIEF. The tenants should join heads together, and resist making any payment.

This is the same way bloody politicians collect taxes from civil servants and business men and women without fixing roads, drainage, etc.

Do not pay.

4 Likes

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by vicfy(m): 11:16am On Apr 04, 2018
Mchew
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by vicfy(m): 11:17am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
We enjoy electricity here very well. Power can go off for just 30 mins in 1 week. So nobody used generator to power the machine
yet you still complain abt Meagre N500? Mmmmcheww... Around my area, we hardly see light in a whole week and we pay 1k for Nepa bill and 5h for water monthly... For Self Contain o!
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by mynamewilfred(m): 11:17am On Apr 04, 2018
I'm so glad this topic comes up today. This same scenario is currently playing out at my compound where I live. There's no signed agreement or executed contract prior to our movement to the apartment so there is no case of checking the obligations of the landlord and the tenants but rent is adequately paid.
Now to the subject matter, our submersible pump developed fault last year around October and up till now it has not been fixed. The landlord in his magnanimity has requested we pay #4,000 each for the five flats which I've paid with one other person. He will make up the remaining amount. The three remaining flats are yet to pay hence the landlord has not fixed the pump. I'm not owing house rent or any other utility fees yet I'm subjected to fetchibg water from a very deep well in the compound every day and to worsen the whole thing, the water level is very low and what we fetch is like mudwater while the borehole is there useless. The landlord doesn't stay in the same yard and I've contacted him severally but to no avail.
What should I do people?

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by rayblings(m): 11:18am On Apr 04, 2018
enemmo:
Op do you use prepaid meter to power your pumping machine, is it standalone or your machine is connected to someone's meter?

Is the #500 for the power bill for the machine?

Ideally, the The cost of the pumping machine should be divided into the number of flats with the Landlord paying a higher amount since its his own...

Personal I would pay the #2,500 because I hate, in fact I despise fetching water when I know there is a better way of getting water to my house.
The house doesn't use prepaid meter we use the postpaid meters. The 500 Naira monthly is for water maintenance so why should I pay 2500 again when Ive been paying 500 Naira
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by bigtt76(f): 11:19am On Apr 04, 2018
The Landlord made a very bad decision of not charging a yearly service charge to cover all expenses. If he had, then this issue would not have risen undecided
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by uwajeh(m): 11:19am On Apr 04, 2018
The general law is that the landlord is responsible for the fixtures while the tenant is responsible for the fittings.

Fittings normally go bad due to wear and tear caused by constant usage. I believe the pumping machine qualifies as a fitting which should be the responsibility of the tenants.

If on the other hand the problem is with the borehole which is a fixture then it would be the responsibility of the landlord.

Most tenancy agreements usually contain a clause that says that the landlord covenants to keep the house in a tenantable condition, fair wear and tear excepted.

Simply put, if the problem is with the pumping machine and not the borehole then you guys should contribute and fix it.

3 Likes

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by eagleeye2: 11:21am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
yes I pay for water every month.
How much do you pay for water every month?
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Proudlyngwa(m): 11:22am On Apr 04, 2018
@ Rayblings

As someone said, it depends on the terms of your contract.
But if you are being charged for water, it is the responsibility of the landlord to replace it. As it is now a business.
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Boss13: 11:22am On Apr 04, 2018
goodvision12:
Pls i need your advice.what can i do each time my landlord comes around to threaten me with eviction from the premises even though i pay my rents daily?I need a lawyer as a friend.

Proceed to a lawyer and let the lawyer issue him an injunction. Your landlord has no right to threaten you or even come to your house without your invitation. He has no right to harass you because he is violating the terms of agreement.

However, after your action, be prepared to fight a battle with him because many Nigerian Landlords are uneducated, unexposed and vindictive. If you have the financial power, you must be determined to fight to the finish. Else it is better to leave such accommodation
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Boss13: 11:26am On Apr 04, 2018
mynamewilfred:
I'm so glad this topic comes up today. This same scenario is currently playing out at my compound where I live. There's no signed agreement or executed contract prior to our movement to the apartment so there is no case of checking the obligations of the landlord and the tenants but rent is adequately paid.
Now to the subject matter, our submersible pump developed fault last year around October and up till now it has not been fixed. The landlord in his magnanimity has requested we pay #4,000 each for the five flats which I've paid with one other person. He will make up the remaining amount. The three remaining flats are yet to pay hence the landlord has not fixed the pump. I'm not owing house rent or any other utility fees yet I'm subjected to fetchibg water from a very deep well in the compound every day and to worsen the whole thing, the water level is very low and what we fetch is like mudwater while the borehole is there useless. The landlord doesn't stay in the same yard and I've contacted him severally but to no avail.
What should I do people?

Since there is no obligation stated by each party to the contract, it is expected that the Landlord fixes the pumping machine. He is the owner and as such incurs both benefits and liabilities accrued to ownership of the asset.

1 Like

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Nobody: 11:26am On Apr 04, 2018
STEKENT:
Why is it difficult for igbo people to develop people house. I will never rent my apartment to igbo. Oversabi and troublesome is the motto.

Develop people house after the greedy landlord have collet damage fees worth thousands?

If I must repair his house then it must be from that rent.

After all he collected damage fees.

Concerning the borehole, op you have to pay for that one oo since its necessary just like your light bills and lawma bills.

But if its about repairing his house after collecting damage fee, lai lai.

1 Like

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by silkiss: 11:27am On Apr 04, 2018
2500 is much considering the amount of people in the compound. Let one tenant go and find the actual cost of the pump and divide amongst you people... Your landlord is trying to be funny
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Mbamifeanyi(m): 11:28am On Apr 04, 2018
First you ve to revisit what was written in your terms of agreement.

If you guys pay #500 on monthly bases for water maintenance, and you do ve constant electricity in ur hood, den ur landlord should be responsible to fix d damage.



What kind of damage could occur in a pump to warrant such amount of money to fix it.. 2500*30=75,000....

Ur co-tenants should call a specialist and confirm d amount to fix d damage
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Boss13: 11:28am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
The house doesn't use prepaid meter we use the postpaid meters. The 500 Naira monthly is for water maintenance so why should I pay 2500 again when Ive been paying 500 Naira

You are right with your principle. However, also note the comment of others. These comments are based on what is considered as generally acceptable behavior. Though, in my opinion, I think it is ridiculous, but to avoid future problems, you may need to reconsider.

Since you reason this way, you then need to consider relocating to areas that share your logic and likewise read agreements before signing

1 Like

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Trustworthiness: 11:28am On Apr 04, 2018
aieromon:


This is strange. If you really pay to have access to water in your apartment,then it is the responsibility of the landlord to fix the water pump as it is now a money generating business venture.
I also assume that the landlord sells water to outsiders as well.

Any money you pay towards the repair should be deducted from future monthly payments.

What you ought to have asked is, if he pays separately for the pumpimg machine electricity bill. If not, the N500 he pays every month is for that. He needs to pay for the repair of the pump
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Nobody: 11:29am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
yes I pay for water every month.

Then he should be the one to fix it.. All this landlord especially yoruba landlord always claim to be smart and when you decide to show them you're smarter they start shouting omo igbo up and down.

1 Like

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by xreal: 11:31am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
I'll check it when I get home.

MODIFIED: Every flat pays 500 Naira each monthly . There are about 25-30 flats in the compound. The land accomodates two buildings (2 storey buildings each), when I asked I was told the 500 Naira is for water maintenance so why then should I contribute 2,500 Naira again.

Note: we use post paid meter and we have regular electricity, in power goes off for just 30 mins in a week so the N500 is not for fueling any generator or for prepaid meter


Is that in Nigeria?

2 Likes

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Rinsola32(f): 11:31am On Apr 04, 2018
aieromon:


This is strange. If you really pay to have access to water in your apartment,then it is the responsibility of the landlord to fix the water pump as it is now a money generating business venture.
I also assume that the landlord sells water to outsiders as well.

Any money you pay towards the repair should be deducted from future monthly payments.

Correct. Since they pay 500 monthly for maintainace of the borehole, why pay another fee to repair it?

Or do you people repair the machine monthly?

Na wa o. Never heard of people paying for such before

1 Like

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by chukzyfcbb: 11:32am On Apr 04, 2018
The first time the sumo got spoilt in our rented house, the estate agent in charge of managing the property came to us to tell us to fix it.
So far,
We have repaired
- sumo
- Bought prepaid metre for the sumo
- Help to move their soakaway ministry.
- Even help drill another borehole when the first one we did for them was complained of being dirty.

After we learnt the tenants were taking us for a ride coz we were doing it out of church mind , we left the responsibilities to them, after all we don't collect Service charge/Maintenance fee just Rent only.

Now if you cant co operate with co tenants to pack your soakaway or repair your sumo leave it there, I am all bout the rent :-) If you don't like my rules, pack out!!!

If its not something serious like Roof leaking or Alausa coming to disturb for Land use charge, e does not Kwansin me.

5 Likes

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by vicfy(m): 11:32am On Apr 04, 2018
Skexxy:
2500 x 30flats = 75,000 for repair of what type or pumping machine?
How much do you think a pumping machine costs? For a compound that big, a 2.0Hp Carpender Pump would barely serve them. And 1.5Hp now goes for 45-50k.. Then, you'll add up d money for cleaning of Tanks n Labour for installation

1 Like

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Nobody: 11:36am On Apr 04, 2018
uwajeh:
The general law is that the landlord is responsible for the fixtures while the tenant is responsible for the fittings.

Fittings normally go bad due to wear and tear caused by constant usage. I believe the pumping machine qualifies as a fitting which should be the responsibility of the tenants.

If on the other hand the problem is with the borehole which is a fixture then it would be the responsibility of the landlord.

Most tenancy agreements usually contain a clause that says that the landlord covenants to keep the house in a tenantable condition, fair wear and tear excepted.

Simply put, if the problem is with the pumping machine and not the borehole then you guys should contribute and fix it.

Thanks for been VERY objective
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Andy2274: 11:36am On Apr 04, 2018
When will nairalanders read, understand, digest before commenting?

2 Likes

Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by goodvision12(m): 11:37am On Apr 04, 2018
Boss13:


Proceed to a lawyer and let the lawyer issue him an injunction. Your landlord has no right to threaten you or even come to your house without your invitation. He has no right to harass you because he is violating the terms of agreement.

However, after your action, be prepared to fight a battle with him because many Nigerian Landlords are uneducated, unexposed and vindictive. If you have the financial power, you must be determined to fight to the finish. Else it is better to leave such accommodation
Thank you very much for your advice.The problem i have now is that i dont have a lawyer friend.pls how can i get in touch with one
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Boss13: 11:41am On Apr 04, 2018
goodvision12:
Thank you very much for your advice.The problem i have now is that i dont have a lawyer friend.pls how can i get in touch with one

Lawyer don’t work for free, whether friend or not. If you don’t have the financial means to get a lawyer, please reconsider your motive. Your landlord will destroy you. Complete the rent period and relocate.
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by goodvision12(m): 11:41am On Apr 04, 2018
Boss13:


Proceed to a lawyer and let the lawyer issue him an injunction. Your landlord has no right to threaten you or even come to your house without your invitation. He has no right to harass you because he is violating the terms of agreement.

However, after your action, be prepared to fight a battle with him because many Nigerian Landlords are uneducated, unexposed and vindictive. If you have the financial power, you must be determined to fight to the finish. Else it is better to leave such accommodation
Thank you very much for your advice.The problem i have now is that i dont have a lawyer friend.pls how can i get in touch with one
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by mikebrown92: 11:42am On Apr 04, 2018
rayblings:
We enjoy electricity here very well. Power can go off for just 30 mins in 1 week. So nobody used generator to power the machine

Just assume if you were to be buying water outside, wouldn't you spend more than what you pay monthly and wouldn't that be stressful for you..

Its for the benefit of you all, try pay it.
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by Troublemaker007(m): 11:43am On Apr 04, 2018
aieromon:


This is strange. If you really pay to have access to water in your apartment,then it is the responsibility of the landlord to fix the water pump as it is now a money generating business venture.
I also assume that the landlord sells water to outsiders as well.

Any money you pay towards the repair should be deducted from future monthly payments.

Na better quit notice dey hungry you. Without being told can’t you tell his landlord is the oppressor type of Landlord cheesy
Re: Landlord Or Tenants: Who Is To Fix Damaged Water Pump Machine? by mikebrown92: 11:46am On Apr 04, 2018
goodvision12:
Thank you very much for your advice.The problem i have now is that i dont have a lawyer friend.pls how can i get in touch with one

Are you willing to spend over 50k cux of 2500 maintenance fee for pumping machine?
That money is too small for you to involve lawyer.

If you don't want to be paying for the maintenance, get you pipe watet disconnected and 've free om your own

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