Can You Charge a Tenant If a Plumber Removes Hair From Drain?

Dealing with a clogged drain is frustrating—especially when it’s caused by something preventable like hair buildup. As a landlord, you might wonder: If a plumber removes hair from a drain, can I charge the tenant? It’s a common dilemma that sits at the intersection of property maintenance, tenant responsibility, and legal compliance. The short answer? It depends—but not always in your favor. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly when (and how) you can legally pass on plumbing costs to your tenant, backed by legal standards, real-world examples, and expert insights.

When Is a Tenant Responsible for Drain Clogs?

Not all plumbing issues are created equal. According to the American Bar Association, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining habitable living conditions—including functional plumbing—unless the damage results from tenant negligence or misuse.

Hair clogs often fall into a gray area. While minor buildup over time is considered normal wear and tear, repeated or severe blockages due to improper use (e.g., flushing large amounts of hair without a strainer) may shift responsibility to the tenant.

💡 Key Insight: A 2023 survey by the National Apartment Association found that 68% of landlords reported drain clogs as one of the top 5 maintenance issues—and 42% attempted to recover costs from tenants, though only half succeeded legally.

What Does “Normal Wear and Tear” vs. “Tenant Negligence” Mean?

Understanding this distinction is critical before billing your tenant.

If the clog stems from routine use—even if hair is involved—it’s likely your responsibility. But if the tenant ignored maintenance advice or used the plumbing improperly, you may have grounds to charge them.

For more on legal definitions, see Wikipedia’s overview of landlord-tenant law.

How to Legally Charge a Tenant for Plumbing Repairs

You can’t just send an invoice and expect payment. Follow these steps to protect yourself legally:

1. Review Your Lease Agreement

Check if your lease includes clauses about:

• Plumbing misuse
• Cost recovery for tenant-caused damage
• Required use of drain strainers

⚠️ Warning: Even with a clause, some states (like California and New York) limit what landlords can charge unless negligence is proven.

2. Document Everything

• Take photos/videos of the clog and debris (e.g., a bucket full of hair)
• Save the plumber’s report specifying the cause (“blockage due to excessive hair buildup”)
• Keep records of prior complaints or maintenance requests

3. Get a Professional Assessment

Ask the plumber to state in writing whether the clog resulted from:

• Normal buildup → Landlord pays
• Abuse/misuse → Tenant may be liable

Example wording:

“The main bathroom drain was fully obstructed by dense hair accumulation consistent with lack of strainer use over several months.”

4. Send a Formal Notice

If justified, issue a repair and deduct notice or invoice with:

• Date of service
• Itemized cost
• Explanation linking clog to tenant behavior
• Deadline for payment (per state law)

📌 Pro Tip: In most states, you cannot deduct from security deposit for routine maintenance—but you can for documented negligence.

State Laws Vary: Know Your Local Rules

Landlord-tenant laws differ significantly by state. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Always consult your state’s housing authority or a local attorney before proceeding.

Prevent Future Clogs: Proactive Tips for Landlords

Instead of battling bills, prevent problems upfront:

• Install mesh drain strainers in showers/sinks (cost: $2–$5 each)
• Include care instructions in move-in packets:“Please use provided strainers and avoid pouring oils or large hair clumps down drains.”
• Schedule annual drain inspections—early detection saves $100s in emergency calls
• Offer maintenance credits for tenants who report issues early

A study by HomeAdvisor found that preventive plumbing maintenance reduces emergency calls by 57%—saving landlords an average of $220 per unit annually.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I charge my tenant if a plumber unclogs a hair-filled drain?

A: Only if you can prove the clog resulted from tenant negligence—not normal use. Documentation and a clear lease clause are essential.

Q2: Is hair in a drain considered normal wear and tear?

A: Yes, in most cases. Small amounts of hair buildup over time are expected. However, massive tangles or repeated clogs due to lack of strainer use may indicate misuse.

Q3: What if my tenant refuses to pay for the plumbing bill?

A: You can’t force payment without legal backing. If your claim is valid, you may pursue small claims court—but weigh legal fees vs. repair cost (often under $150).

Q4: Can I deduct the plumbing cost from the security deposit?

A: Only if your state allows it and the clog was caused by tenant abuse. Most states prohibit using deposits for routine maintenance.

Q5: Should I include a “no hair down drain” rule in my lease?

A: It’s better to require use of drain strainers rather than ban hair entirely—that’s unrealistic. Focus on reasonable expectations.

Q6: How much does it typically cost to unclog a hair-blocked drain?

A: Basic snaking: $100–$200. Hydro-jetting for severe buildup: $300–$500. Always get multiple quotes to ensure fairness.

Conclusion

So, if a plumber removes hair from a drain, can you charge your tenant? The answer hinges on proof, policy, and place. While you can’t automatically pass on every plumbing bill, you can protect yourself with smart leases, clear communication, and solid documentation.

By focusing on prevention and fairness, you’ll reduce conflicts, maintain good tenant relationships, and keep your property running smoothly.

👉 Found this helpful? Share it with fellow landlords on Facebook, LinkedIn, or your local property management group! And don’t forget to bookmark this guide for your next maintenance headache.