6packofun Posted March 15, 2016 Posted March 15, 2016 We are possibly moving to a new rental and staying for a long time--at last! It's in an area that doesn't typically have basements and when I went down to check out this one it seemed totally dry. The owner said that in the 6 years since he built it he's had no problems and if we did, to let him know because it's under a 10-yr warranty. BUT, there is a sump pump down there. I could see NO evidence that there has ever been water down there but I'm paranoid. We've lived in 2 places where we took a landlord's word that the basement didn't flood and lost a LOT of stuff. :( Is there something we can specify in a lease that allows us to...I don't know, at least get out of the lease if there is a flood down there? With this house it's even more important because ds will have his bedroom down there (there is a window with escape well to meet code, etc.) along with my treadmill and other major things. We will have renter's insurance, but I'm wondering if we can have more peace of mind since this landlord will be moving out of state and we're sort of on our own. (Which, all things considered, I LOVE! LOL) Quote
clementine Posted March 15, 2016 Posted March 15, 2016 We've always had a sump pump in our houses and never had a problem. One time our sump pump motor broke, but we caught it in time. We didn't hear it running during a big rain & my hubby checked it and it had broken. It needed to be replaced, but no water flooded the basement. Every house in our neck of the woods has a basement & I'm sure the majority of them are finished & furnished. I'd say if it was under warranty and the landlord hasn't had issues, which he would have to disclose, you are fine. 1 Quote
gardenmom5 Posted March 15, 2016 Posted March 15, 2016 Look into the construction specifics, as well as dainage and water table. I have a basement - and in 33 years i've never ever had water, even with the change in drainage with new construction uphill. we have a french drain about the outside - as well as waterproofing on the exterior concrete wall. the "floor" sits on at least a foot of gravel. I don't have a sump pump. and do look into a clause about breaking the lease if the basement floods. 1 Quote
Upptacka Posted March 15, 2016 Posted March 15, 2016 I would feel more comfortable seeing the sump pump down there. I honestly wouldn't worry about it, but I am in an area where basements are the norm. 1 Quote
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