Eleanor Howe    |    Grafton    ,    Massachusetts 01519    Landlord Complaint 23-4774

Early August 2013 the dryer started burning everything. I mentioned this to the owner via email on August 3rd. However when we signed the rental agreement in May 25, 2013 she specified that she would only put up to $200 in the repair/replacement of the washer/dryer. I was aware of our agreement. We brought in a new washer dryer at NO COST to the owner. Per the owner's request we didn't throw out the washer/dryer tower and temporarily stored it on the balcony (despite community regulation forbidding it) because we had nowhere else to store it. After some time, the HOA sent us a letter asking us to remove the washer/dryer on our balcony. We called the owner to let her know we could no longer store the unit. We offered to move it to her other home in Tequesta, however she declined & told us to throw it out. We took it to the dump at no cost to her. She mentioned that she may decide to purchase the new washer/dryer if we ever decided to move. No promises were made & I told her that we would see when the time came. On July 20 I noticed visual signs of water damage in the drywall, quarter round & flooring around the dishwasher. I e-mailed the owner informing her that there is possibly a leak stemming from the dishwasher. She called and asked me to remove the kickplate of the dishwasher to see if there was visible signs of water. I didn't see any signs of water, so she had a neighbor/friend come over to look at the dishwasher. He wasn't able to find any water and thus didn't find the leak but he did say it was most likely the dishwasher. It has been 2 months since her friend came over. She claimed that according to the rental contract the tenant was responsible for all repairs. I told her she was incorrect & should check her contract. According to the contract all repairs are the responsibility of the landlord/owner unless otherwise specified. The only thing that was specified was that the landlord/owner would only attribute up to $200 for the repair/replacement of the washer/dryer. She told me to just stop using the dishwasher. I have stopped because I do not want to be responsible for her negligence in repairing the leak. I would like to see the dishwasher repaired/replaced. The drywall around the dishwasher needs replaced bc water has caused it to start to disintegrate. The flooring shows signs of water damage & needs replaced. We've done our part in informing owner & we have taken steps to avoid further damage. Thus deposit shouldn't be withheld @departure.