Assistance with Landlord Liability

Questioner

rented an apartment and paid a deposit. During our stay the electricity went out. that as a result of a malfunction and overflowing of the whirlpool. During our stay there were several technicians and have repaired the meter cupboard in the ground floor. When we went home everything worked again also the washing machine that did not work on arrival ?? We got the deposit back when we got home. Now we are held liable for the repair costs of 4000 euros. What to do.

Lawyer

What exactly are you liable for? That you let the whirlpool overflow? If that happened due to the failure, the direct consequences thereof are the risk sphere of the landlord.

Questioner

For the repair damage of course. (replacement of parts in the meter cupboard) There was a demonstrable defect or error in the connection of the whirlpool (I saw this myself when the technician was looking for the cause). We also have photos of that. Received from the mechanics. Also from a previous overflow fault The cause of the malfunction is now attributed to the fact that the bath overflowed. But how is that possible. Well, the safety (overflow) was too small)

Lawyer

Once this is technically clear, you really need to refute the claim, and support this with the evidence you have already gathered.

Lawyer

Incidentally, it is also the case that - if the deposit is returned - the landlord apparently had no reason to recover his damages from you. That you had therefore correctly delivered the property. That should be your first defense.