‘I don't think it's fair’: Roommate uses the washing machine while another roommate is repairing it, then ends up flooding their hardwood floor apartment and insists they split the $800 cost

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
Oct 4, 2025 6:00 AM EDT

Rommate debacles seldom end well, and that's because both parties believe they are correct; whether that be in regard to doing the dishes, cleaning the floors, or breaking an appliance, no one wants to take accountability. However, there's usually someone who is in the right, and then someone who is glaringly in the wrong. Let's see what you think of the two roommates in this next story.

Nobody likes a know-it-all; we know this to be true. However, if you have a roommate who can repair appliances without going to a handyman who will almost always be expensive to hire, you embrace that know-it-all with a smile.

The know-it-all in question is the roommate who posted the story you're about to read, and they explain that they were repairing the apartment washing machine and notified their roommate of updates about when it can be used again. The other roommate didn't listen and ended up flooding the floor.

Now, the other roommate wants to split the cost of the damages, but the narrator believes they are not to blame for the flood. What do you think? Scroll below to see what commenters have to say about it.

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • a photo of a man repairing a washing machine that is leaking onto the floor
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • "AITA Roomate decided to use the washer which I was repairing And flooded the hardwood floor. The repairs cost $800 and she won't pay it."

    I rent a house with two other roommates (so three of us total). A while back, our washer started having a drainage issue where water would stay inside at the end of the cycle.
    via AdApart9610
  • I did some plumbing work/snaking to fix it, and while I was working on it one of my roommates (Jess) decided to run a load of laundry.
    via AdApart9610
  • was not at the house when she did the load. When I left I had the washer pulled out, unplugged, and the snake on top.
    via AdApart9610
  • I had been updating my roomates on the status of the washer and to not use it.
    via AdApart9610
  • Jess could have messaged me, called, or waited to do the laundry. Problem is, the drainage (discharge) hose on the back of the washer wasn't positioned correctly at that point, so water flooded the laundry room and part of the kitchen.
    via AdApart9610
  • a photo of water spilling onto a wooden floor
    via Piotr Łaskawski
  • Jess tried to clean it up, but the hardwood floors are now buckling. The repair estimate came out to $800.
    via AdApart9610
  • Here's the issue: Jess is blaming me, saying it's my fault. From my perspective, I was already working on the washer.
    via AdApart9610
  • She could have called/texted me or waited, but instead ran it anyway while it wasn't fully set up.
    via AdApart9610
  • My other roommate (Judson) thinks it "could have happened to anyone" and suggests we just split the cost three ways.
    via AdApart9610
  • I've been clear and responsive about everything, but I don't think it's fair that I should cover this.
    via AdApart9610
  • She could have texted, called, or waited. Am I wrong to think Jess should be responsible for the repair?
    via AdApart9610
  • Or do I need to just bite the bullet and split it?
    via AdApart9610
  • batsinger Team "waiting to find out whether you actually told her it wasn't fixed yet"
    via batsinger
  • AdApart9610 Yes I did. I was clear on communication with the status of the repairs
    via AdApart9610
  • Aggravating Walk2053 Did they actually reply that they heard said communication
    via Aggravating_Walk2053
  • AdApart9610 Yes. I told in person and text.
    via AdApart9610
  • Sapper12D Dude you are in the clear, idg what these other jokers are talking about. If the appliance is pulled away from the wall and the last text you got from your room mate earlier that day was that its broken. Then its clear that its still broken unless youre a clueless NTA. le.
    via Sapper12D
  • AdApart9610 Thank you! I don't know why everyone is shifting the blame to me. I did the right thing and told everyone, kept them updated.
    via AdApart9610
  • sweadle ΝΤΑ Since you said it was pulled away from the wall with the snake on it, I would say that's obvious that it's out of service. But if she won't pay, I don't know what to say. That's a risk of doing your own repairs instead of just telling rhe landlord. It's probably legally on all the tenants.
    via sweadle
  • AdApart9610 Thank you! Yes I know the risk of my doing the handyman repairs but I was a plumber for a while and know a few things. I just hope she pays for it and doesn't petty the situation.
    via AdApart9610

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

sharing rental house tenants legal tenant apartments reddit story renting reddit thread Reddit roommates entitled people apartment
Scroll Down For The Next Article