Who's Responsible for Water Damage: Tenants or Landlords?

December 13, 2022

According to a survey by Freddie Mac, 82% of renters now view renting as more affordable than homeownership. This is an all-time high for the survey. As Level Management explains, one of the main reasons for this is that millennials tend to value the freedom of renting more than the pride of homeownership. 

 

Renters can pack-up and leave if they no longer find a home satisfactory. They are also spared the stress of maintaining a property. Renting gives a tenant the freedom they would not have if they owned the property. But how far does a renter's freedom go? Does it completely free them of responsibility of the rental? 

 

This question causes constant conflict between landlords and tenants. And nowhere is the issue more present than when assigning responsibility for water damage in the rental property. Water is ubiquitous in a house and where water is, the possibility of damage is ever present. Additionally, the cost of fixing water issues can be prohibitive. 

 

Therefore, landlords and tenants are motivated to shift the responsibility for water damage to the other party. Tenants believe the responsibility is the landlord's since the property belongs to the owner and tenants are paying rent. Conversely, landlords say that because tenants live in the home and are more likely to cause water damage, they should bear the responsibility. 

 

But what does the law say and what is the best way of dealing with this problem? Below we explain the limits of landlords' and tenant's responsibility for water damage in a rental property. 

Water damage: landlord's rights and responsibilities 

The basic principle for this issue is the "Implied Warranty of Habitability." This is an unspoken guarantee given by landlords to their tenants, assuring them that a home is livable up to the existing codes. It means the necessary systems, which will allow a tenant to live comfortably in a home are in place. 

 

The principle further demands that landlords check the working condition of the plumbing and drainage systems before tenant move-in. These must be functioning to the satisfaction of the tenant. Furthermore, the landlord is expected to maintain these systems in proper working order throughout the duration of the tenant's stay. To do this, landlords must: 

  • Carry out regular maintenance and repairs of the plumbing and drainage to resolve issues caused by wear and tear 
  • Carry out emergency repairs when it is required. An emergency is any problem that threatens the livability of the property. 

 

These two expectations from the basis of the landlord's responsibility for water damage in the rental. However, property owners also have the following rights. 

 

  • Landlords have the right to expect responsible use of the plumbing and drainage systems by tenants. Where a tenant is proven to be negligent, landlords can demand that the tenants bear the cost of repairs. 
  • Secondly, landlords have the right to be informed immediately, by the tenant, if problems arise with the home's plumbing. This is because the tenant is in constant contact with the systems and is therefore in the best position to detect problems. 

 

Where the tenant fails to respect the landlord's rights, the tenant will be partly or wholly responsible for the repairs. 

Water damage: tenant's rights and responsibilities 

The tenant has the "Implied Right to Habitability." Since the tenant has paid for the right to live in the home and use its systems, the tenant has the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property. The landlord must keep the home in a condition that allows the tenant to enjoy the full benefits of paying rent. Tenant's rights may be summed up as: 

 

  • The right to a home that is safe and sanitary 
  • The right to immediate action by the landlord to fix all reported water-issues in the home 

 

Where the landlord fails to maintain the property to the expected standard, the tenant reserves the right to withhold the rent or move out of the rental. 

 

But to enjoy these rights to their fullest extent, the tenant must also be responsible. The tenant is responsible for the following:

  • Any damage to the home's plumbing and drainage deemed to have resulted from a tenant's misuse of the property or negligence will be paid for by the tenant. 
  • If the detected damage is not the tenant's fault but the tenant failed to report it to the landlord in a prompt manner, the tenant will be partly responsible for it 
  • It is the tenant's responsibility to limit the extent of any detected damage. For instance, by shutting off the main supply when they discover a burst pipe. 
  • The tenant is responsible for their belongings in the event of water damage. 

 

If the tenant fails to do any of the above, that tenant will be liable for the damage and the landlord is right to charge the tenant. 

 

The above is the basic framework that landlords can use to navigate the assignment of responsibility for water damage in their rental property. If these terms are properly spelled out in the lease and explicitly explained to tenants, the probability of friction between the owner and the renter will be greatly reduced.

Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country

By Christina Mullins • July 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).

Reconstruction Services in Mobile: Rebuilding After Storm and Property Damage

By Erik Seagrave • July 15, 2026
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Meet The Team | Jerome Etienne

By Christina Mullins • July 8, 2026
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
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