Winnipeg landlord faces $40,000 sewer repair costs

A landlord in Winnipeg is alerting others about unexpected sewer repair costs. Lise Musso and her husband, Paul Lussier, own a rental property but learned that they are responsible for expensive repairs. They did not realize that since they do not live at the property, the city would not cover the costs. On February 28, a tenant noticed sewer backups in the basement of their rental home. Upon contacting the City of Winnipeg and several contractors, they found that the sewer line connecting their property to the city was broken. The repair estimate came to nearly $40,000. The couple believed the city would help with the repair costs because the issue was under municipal property. However, the city’s rules state that property owners must maintain their sewer lines unless they live at the address. Since Musso and Lussier do not live there, they are responsible for the repair. Musso expressed her shock at the situation, noting that they pay the same property taxes as their neighbors. During repairs, they also had to pay for a hotel for one tenant due to water being shut off. City official Ross Eadie stated that landlords must plan for such maintenance issues as part of running a rental property. He emphasized that being a landlord is a business responsibility. Musso, however, pointed out that raising rent to cover these high costs could push their lower-income tenants out of their homes. Musso aims to inform other landlords about potential unexpected expenses related to sewer repairs. She believes many are unaware that they could face hefty bills if they do not reside at their rental properties.