Minor sewer clean up, tenant or landlord responsibility?

By Landlord looking for answer

My tenant e-mailed stating that there were some gurgling noises in the drains.  In addition, some drains moving slow.  I e-mailed her back immediately.  I said I would call the drain company and they would rooter the pipes.  In the past, we have had roots grow into our sewer.  We typically get the rooter company over once a year, for maintenance.  We have had tenants, that do not help the problem, by putting things into the system that should not be flushed, etc.  I scheduled the guy to come out the next day.  Prior to coming over, the tenant texted that the bath and shower on the main level were starting to back up.  I was thinking, "well, good thing the guy who can fix it will be there in 10 minutes".  The guy showed up a few minutes later and he went to work on the line. I stuck around while he snaked the line, there was still some slow draining, so he was going to do it a second time.  Before it could be tested a second time, I had to leave to pick up my kids from school.  About an hour later, she sent me a text that the toilet also backed up (sounded like maybe while the guy was there?).  She said, "I had just cleaned the bathrooms, so we need to get someone out to clean this dirty bathroom."  When I had left, the tub and shower had undergone some minor back up, but neither were too bad.  i thought that washing down with water and using some bleach, or cleaner, would be all needed.  I am not sure the extent of the toilet overflowing yet.  I have asked her for clarification on extent of problem, if it happened while the guy was still there, and asked if the sewer problem was otherwise resolved.  If it did overflow, there could have been some on the tile floor.  

We did repair the problem right away.  I problem seemed relatively minor when I left.  Initially, I felt confident asking her to clean. However, because this involves water coming up from the sewer, are we responsible to have it cleaned? 
If it was serious water damage in the home, or on carpet, there is no doubt, I would call a professional.  If I had been renting, I would have just cleaned it up.  If anyone can offer advice, it would be greatly appreciated!    

Edited on: Wednesday, September 4th, 2013 9:57 pm

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