Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I am going through the steps for a tenant eviction. I am currently in the third step, eviction has been served,on November 3 2010. I have to wait 5 days for the tenant to respond to the clerk of courts. I have had no responce from the tenant until this morning, calling me to say the the heat was not working. Since I am going through the eviction process, am I required by law to fix the heat for them?

Yes you are, as they are separate issues. That said, make sure your contractor takes a good close look to make sure the tenant didn't tamper with it or anything else, in an attempt to cloud the eviction issue.

Posted by Renee R, MD on Monday, November 15, 2010

My renters have been furnished with the name and phone number of the gas company that provides the gas heat for the house. They have not contacted the gas company but are complaining of the cold. Their electricty has been off for a month because of non-payment. Currently, no one is living inside the house. The weather will be freezing tomorrow night and the following two nights and the pipes may be in danger of freezing. Suggestions?

Posted by Mary H, FL on Saturday, December 11, 2010

Drain your pipes of excess water, and possibly treat your pipes to avoid costly repair. If your home has a basement, go to the lowest level of the house and drain the water lines to prevent the pipes from freezing. Hope this helps.

Posted by David W, TN on Saturday, December 11, 2010

Also, another option, if the water is still on you could allow the water to drip in the sinks throughout the house to help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Posted by David W, TN on Saturday, December 11, 2010