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Slab Leak in a Rental: What Renters Should Do

If you rent and suspect a slab leak, the pipes are usually not yours to fix. Your job is to confirm the signs, tell the landlord in writing, protect your belongings and keep records.

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By Pomona Slab Leak Pros · Updated November 2026

Signs to watch for

Technician scanning a tile floor with a thermal imaging camera to locate a slab leak

A warm or hot spot on the floor, the sound of running water with everything off, damp carpet, a musty smell, or a water bill you pay that has jumped. See the full list in how to tell if you have a slab leak.

What to do right away

  1. If water is visible, shut off the main if you can reach it, or tell the landlord or manager immediately.
  2. Move belongings off wet floors.
  3. Photograph the damage with dates.
  4. Notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy. Text or email counts as a record.
  5. Keep a log of every message and call.

A short notice you can send

Hello, I am writing to report a suspected water leak at [address, unit]. On [date] I noticed [warm spot on the floor / the sound of running water / damp carpet]. Photos are attached. Please arrange for a plumber to inspect it as soon as possible and let me know when someone will be entering the unit. Thank you.

Who handles what

Building plumbing is normally the landlord’s responsibility, and California landlords must keep rental plumbing in working order under Civil Code section 1941.1. Landlords generally must give written notice before entering, with 24 hours presumed reasonable except in emergencies (Civil Code section 1954). A tenant’s own belongings are usually covered, if at all, by the tenant’s renters policy. This is general information, not legal advice. See who pays for a slab leak and what landlords should do.

What not to do

  • Do not hire a contractor to break the floor without the landlord’s agreement.
  • Do not withhold rent or deduct repair costs before getting legal advice.
  • Do not ignore a leak you pay for in your water bill.

For housing questions, ask your local tenant or housing resources.

Frequently asked questions

Should I call a plumber myself?

Usually you tell the landlord first. If water is flooding the unit, shut off the water and notify the landlord at once.

Will my renters insurance help?

It may cover your belongings, depending on the policy. Check yours and keep photos. See how insurance treats slab leaks.

Can the landlord enter to check the leak?

Generally with written notice, and in an emergency without it. See Civil Code section 1954 and confirm your situation.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Keep your written records and ask your local housing or legal resources about your options.

For landlordsWhat property owners do in the first 24 hours.Who paysHow responsibility is divided.What to do right nowSteps to limit damage.

Need slab leak repair Pomona homeowners can book? See our slab leak repair Pomona page for how we work, or call (909) 415-2610.

Water running, or a warm spot on the floor?

Shut off the main if water is visible, then call. A Pomona plumber will tell you what to do next.

Call (909) 415-2610

More on slab leaks

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