Who is responsible for the water damage? Landlord or tenants?

Additional  Information:

I am a landlord in Sudbury and one of our tenants reported water and damage in the basement.  When I came to check it out, I discovered that they moved the washing machine (that is provided for their use) and thus the leak and damage.  As the landlord am I required to pay the repairs or are the tenants?  There’s nothing about this in the lease.   Thanks in advance.

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

The tenant is responsible for damage caused by the tenant.  However the proof of something like this can be difficult without someone knowledgeable about that appliance testifying as to the cause of the leak.  I never know why my washing machine is leaking. 

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