{
 "name": "Who Pays the Repair?: US city-by-city home repair responsibility database",
 "license": "Free to use with attribution and a link to https://whopaystherepair.com/",
 "generated": "2026-10-04",
 "recordCount": 330,
 "records": [
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Los Angeles: the property owner pays, CA Streets & Highways Code §5610, softened by the city’s sidewalk rebate program.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=SHC&sectionNum=5610"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Francisco",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Francisco: the property owner pays, SFPUC puts both upper and lower sewer lateral on the owner.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-francisco-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/news/how-take-care-your-sewer-lateral"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Seattle: if a City street tree did it, that's the City's roughly-15-to-20%. Everything else, including private trees, is on the owner, though the City admits it never actually enforces that.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Damage adjacent to a City street tree: City responsibility",
    "Damage from City property, structures, or City utilities: City responsibility"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/seattle-wa-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/cityauditor/auditreports/sidewalksauditfinalreportrev2.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "New York City: the property owner pays, NYC DOT, Admin Code §19-152, injury liability under §7-210.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-york-ny-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/sidewalks.shtml"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Chicago: shared, the homeowner maintains the private drain; DWM repairs qualifying breaks in the public way.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-02",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-il-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2657135"
  },
  {
   "city": "Austin",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Austin: the city pays, the owner-maintenance rule left the City Code in 1999; TPW now maintains about 2,800 miles of sidewalk.",
   "exceptions": [
    "New sidewalks built as part of private development remain a developer obligation under the land development code (not covered by this maintenance rule)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-22",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/austin-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tx/austin"
  },
  {
   "city": "Denver",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Denver: the property owner pays, the city is \"only responsible for main public sewers\"; the service line from your building to the main is yours.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-23",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/denver-co-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.denversewerandwater.com/who-is-responsible-for-sewer-line-repair-denver"
  },
  {
   "city": "Portland",
   "state": "OR",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Portland: the property owner pays, Portland Street Tree Care.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/portland-or-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.portland.gov/code/11/60"
  },
  {
   "city": "Atlanta",
   "state": "GA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Atlanta: the owner repairs on notice or is billed, but where City funding is available the City repairs sidewalks on a prioritized basis.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Where City funding is identified and available, the City performs repairs on a prioritized basis (not for owner-caused damage)",
    "ATLDOT's Sidewalk Repair on Major Streets project repairs sidewalks along high-priority corridors identified in the City's sidewalk inventory."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/atlanta-ga-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ga/atlanta/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORATGEVOII_CH138STSIOTPUPL_ARTIINGE_S138-13AFSIWIRI-W"
  },
  {
   "city": "Miami",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Miami-Dade: the customer owns the sewer lateral all the way to the main (Implementing Order 10-8 §3.02(3)). A break under the street is still yours.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-28",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/miami-fl-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1643933523502788"
  },
  {
   "city": "Boston",
   "state": "MA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Boston: responsibility is shared, Boston public vs private ways.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/boston-ma-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/public-vs-private-ways"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Philadelphia: tree roots buckle your sidewalk, you still pay. No exception, not even for a city-planted street tree.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-pa-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation/street-tree-frequently-asked-questions/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Dallas",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Dallas: the city's duty stops at your property line by its own code; the building lateral on your side is yours.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/dallas-tx-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-125444"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Houston: the abutting property owner pays. The City only steps in for busy thoroughfares, school routes, or mobility-impairment cases.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Busy thoroughfare",
    "Near a school",
    "Resident with mobility impairment"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-28",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.houstontx.gov/council/f/faq.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Phoenix: the owner maintains the lateral to the city connection, but a line that BREAKS inside the public right-of-way is the city’s repair under Code §28-5.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Broken service line within the public right-of-way: City repairs under Code Section 28-5"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/phoenix-az-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/waterservicessite/documents/Sewer_cleaning_FAQs_2026.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Diego splits it by the tree: right-of-way street trees are the City’s problem, private trees and plain old age are yours.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City right-of-way tree caused the damage: City responsibility",
    "Heat expansion, City utility work, grade subsidence: City responsibility"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sandiego.gov/street-div/services/roadways/sidewalk"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Jose",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San José: the property owner pays, SJMC §§14.16.2200-2270 put the sidewalk, park strip, and curb on the owner.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-jose-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/forestry"
  },
  {
   "city": "Sacramento",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Sacramento splits the pipe: your upper lateral to the house is yours, SacSewer's lower lateral to the main is theirs, and a loan program covers up to $15,000 of your side.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/sacramento-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sacsewer.com/upper-lateral-loan-program/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oakland",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Oakland: the property owner pays (OMC § 12.22.020(B)), but the City's Sidewalk Assistance Program repairs at no cost for qualifying low-income owner-occupied homes, subject to funding.",
   "exceptions": [
    "After a City notice letter, the owner must repair the sidewalk within 30 days."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oakland-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ca/oakland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12STSIPUPL_CH12.22PROWRELISISAMA"
  },
  {
   "city": "Las Vegas",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Las Vegas: the homeowner owns the lateral all the way to the main, in the city’s own words, which is why the city sells a sewer line warranty.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/las-vegas-nv-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Sewer-Line-Warranty"
  },
  {
   "city": "Salt Lake City",
   "state": "UT",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Salt Lake City: the adjacent owner is responsible for the sidewalk, but the 50/50 Concrete Program splits the bill for single-family homes when applications are open.",
   "exceptions": [
    "50/50 Concrete Program: city pays half for qualifying single-family homeowners (seasonal, application required)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/salt-lake-city-ut-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.slc.gov/mystreet/sidewalk-program/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Minneapolis",
   "state": "MN",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Minneapolis: the property owner pays for the public sidewalk next to their lot, damages, repairs and construction, under Ordinance 427.90.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/minneapolis-mn-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/housing/property-maintenance/sidewalk-alley/sidewalk-repair-options/city-sidewalk-repair-process/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Detroit",
   "state": "MI",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Detroit: the property owner owns the sewer lateral all the way to the city collection pipe, even the stretch under the alley or street.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/detroit-mi-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250124095421/https://detroitmi.gov/departments/water-and-sewerage-department/dwsd-customer-service/water-and-sewer-maintenanceemergencies"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nashville",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Nashville: the city pays, NDOT is \"responsible for all aspects of Nashville’s sidewalks,\" report via hubNashville.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-08-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nashville-tn-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nashville.gov/departments/transportation/projects/sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Columbus",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Columbus: the homeowner maintains the lateral, and even when Blueprint Columbus lines it for free, maintenance stays with the homeowner.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Blueprint Columbus neighborhoods: city performs lateral lining, ownership/maintenance stays with the homeowner"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/columbus-oh-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://blueprintneighborhoods.com/the-four-pillars/lateral-lining/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Baltimore",
   "state": "MD",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Baltimore: the property owner pays, per City Code Article 26 Subtitle 10, with the notice period to fix it before the city bills you.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/baltimore-md-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.baltimorecity.gov/transportation/sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Memphis",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Memphis: everything past the curb, including the sidewalk, is the citizen's job under City Ordinance 12-24-3.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/memphis-tn-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251206061325/https://memphistn.gov/street-maintenance/"
  },
  {
   "city": "El Paso",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "El Paso: the property owner builds and is responsible for the sidewalk, straight from the city's own code.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/el-paso-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13STSIPUPL_CH13.04STSICOMA"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oklahoma City",
   "state": "OK",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Oklahoma City the sidewalk is the owner's responsibility, but qualified homeowners can apply for City cost-sharing on repair or replacement.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Qualified residential owners can apply for City cost-sharing under the Sidewalk Repair / Replacement Program"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oklahoma-city-ok-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ok/oklahoma_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=OKMUCO2020_CH50STSI_ARTIIIOTPRRECORESICUDR_DIV1GE_S50-101POCOORSICOREET"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fresno",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Fresno: the fronting owner pays, unless a City tree caused the damage, in which case it's the City's.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Damage caused by a City tree: City responsibility"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fresno-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.fresno.gov/publicworks/streets-and-landscape-maintenance/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Portland",
   "state": "OR",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Portland: it's written into the City Charter itself. Abutting owners build and maintain the sidewalk, or the city does it and bills them.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/portland-or-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.portland.gov/charter/9/4"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Antonio",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Antonio: the owner pays, but a rebate covers 50-70% of the cost depending on the neighborhood.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Sidewalk Rebate Program: city covers 50-70% depending on CDBG-area status, capped at $3,000"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-antonio-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251123154220/https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/PWD/Streets-Sidewalks/Sidewalk-Rebate"
  },
  {
   "city": "Charlotte",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "In Charlotte, CDOT's Street Maintenance Division handles sidewalk repair; report damaged sidewalks through 311.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/charlotte-nc-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Parking-and-Streets/Street-and-Sidewalk-Maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Indianapolis",
   "state": "IN",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Indianapolis: the property owner owns the lateral from the house to the main, per the utility's state-regulator-approved terms of service.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/indianapolis-in-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://info.citizensenergygroup.com/connecting-a-sewer-service-line"
  },
  {
   "city": "St. Louis",
   "state": "MO",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "St. Louis: the owner pays, split 50/50 with the city if eligible, and 100% city-paid if a city tree did it.",
   "exceptions": [
    "50-50 Program: eligible properties split cost with the city",
    "Damage from a City tree: City pays 100%"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/st-louis-mo-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/street/street-division/50-50-sidewalk-program.cfm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Cincinnati",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Cincinnati: the property owner maintains the sidewalk and the driveway apron, full stop.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/cincinnati-oh-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/dote/street-sidewalk-rehab/sidewalk-safety-program/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Cleveland",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Cleveland: your lateral is yours from the house to the curb. The city takes it from the curb to the main.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/cleveland-oh-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.clevelandwpc.com/faqs"
  },
  {
   "city": "New Orleans",
   "state": "LA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "New Orleans: the property owner maintains the sidewalk, though a Katrina-recovery program funds some repairs done alongside larger city projects.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Recovery Roads Program (RoadworkNOLA): funds some Katrina-related sidewalk damage tied to larger city construction projects"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-orleans-la-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://nola.gov/NEXT/Public-Works/Topics/Sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Richmond",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Richmond: by code, the abutting owner is presumed responsible for the sidewalk crossing and pavement next to their property, and indemnifies the city for it.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/richmond-va-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.rva.gov/public-works/sidewalk-maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Milwaukee",
   "state": "WI",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Milwaukee splits the bill: the abutting owner is assessed a portion of sidewalk work, the city covers the rest from its general improvement budget.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/milwaukee-wi-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://city.milwaukee.gov/dpwservices/specialassessmentscapitalimprovement"
  },
  {
   "city": "Washington",
   "state": "DC",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "DC law says half the cost of a sidewalk repair can be a lien on your property, but new sidewalks built with a street project are free, and DDOT's own 311 service reads like neither applies.",
   "exceptions": [
    "New sidewalks built as part of a street-improvement project: District pays 100%, per Sec. 9-401.04",
    "DDOT's current 311 sidewalk-repair service reads as free in practice; the statute allowing a 50% lien (Sec. 9-401.06) may not reflect current operational practice"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-dc-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/9-401.06"
  },
  {
   "city": "Kansas City",
   "state": "MO",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Kansas City the owner is responsible for the whole sewer lateral, from the main to the house; KC Water repairs a right-of-way section only at its discretion.",
   "exceptions": [
    "KC Water may authorize repair of a defective portion in the right-of-way or easement, at the Director's discretion and only under certain conditions"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/kansas-city-mo-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.kcwater.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Repair-and-Maintenance-of-Residential-Service-Laterals.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Long Beach",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Long Beach runs its own sidewalk maintenance program covering 1,200+ miles, funded through city and grant dollars, not billed to owners.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/long-beach-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.longbeach.gov/pw/services/sidewalks/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Bakersfield",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Bakersfield: permanent repairs are the property owner's job, matching California's statewide default. The city just investigates hazard complaints.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/bakersfield-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/street-maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Jacksonville",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Jacksonville: the city's own Right of Way division repairs old sidewalks and builds new ones. No owner-billing language found.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/jacksonville-fl-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/public-works/right-of-way-and-grounds-maintenance/sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Mesa",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Mesa puts sidewalk maintenance on the property owner, filed right alongside other code-compliance property duties.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/mesa-az-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.mesaaz.gov/Resident-Resources/Code-Compliance/Most-Common-Violations"
  },
  {
   "city": "Wichita",
   "state": "KS",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Wichita: it is the abutting owner's duty to keep the sidewalk in repair, straight from the city charter ordinance.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/wichita-ks-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ks/wichita/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CHOR_CHTR_ORDINANCE_NO._88"
  },
  {
   "city": "Honolulu",
   "state": "HI",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Honolulu bills the owner only when the owner caused the damage; otherwise the city can front the repair and charge back with interest.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Damage not attributable to the owner: cost recovery provision does not apply"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/honolulu-hi-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/honolulu/latest/honolulu/0-0-0-9609"
  },
  {
   "city": "Boise",
   "state": "ID",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Boise itself only handles sweeping and snow removal duties for sidewalks. Actual repair belongs to a separate agency, Ada County Highway District, which budgets and performs the work.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Sidewalk repair authority sits with ACHD, a special district separate from the City of Boise, not the city itself"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-05",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/boise-id-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.achdidaho.org/my-commute/pedestrian-resources/safe-sidewalk-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "Albuquerque",
   "state": "NM",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Albuquerque puts sidewalk repair on the abutting owner, occupant, or agent, with a notice-and-cure process and a foreclosable lien behind it.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Defects within 1 year of construction: bonded contractor/bonded owner must repair on notice or forfeit bond (Sec. 6-5-5-9)",
    "After notice, the owner has 90 days to complete the repairs (City staff, September 2025)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/albuquerque-nm-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/albuquerque/latest/albuquerque_nm/0-0-0-115872"
  },
  {
   "city": "Louisville",
   "state": "KY",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Louisville flipped the default in 2010: Metro Public Works repairs the sidewalks, and owners only keep the clearing duty.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/louisville-ky-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Omaha",
   "state": "NE",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Omaha runs on Nebraska's primary-class-city statute: the abutting owner holds the repair duty and, after notice, the injury liability. The city code adds a 24-hour snow clock and a sue-you-back clause.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Rear-lot sidewalks along designated emergency snow routes: snow duty does not apply (34-332(a))"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/omaha-ne-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ne/omaha/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIMUCO_CH34STOTPUWA_ARTVISI_DIV3REOBAC"
  },
  {
   "city": "Des Moines",
   "state": "IA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Des Moines: the abutting owner must keep the sidewalk in good repair (Code 102-42). After a repair notice the owner has 180 days, and income-eligible owners can apply for a City subsidy.",
   "exceptions": [
    "After a notice that the sidewalk is defective, the owner has 180 days to repair it."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/des-moines-ia-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/364.12.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tampa",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Tampa maintains its own 825-mile sidewalk network, and its entire Streets and Sidewalks chapter contains zero owner-repair language. We checked every section.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tampa-fl-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.tampa.gov/tss-transportation/programs/sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Los Angeles puts the entire sewer lateral on the property owner, from the building all the way to the middle of the street.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://sanitation.lacity.gov/programs/managing-and-protecting-las-underground-sewer-system"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Antonio",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Antonio owners are responsible for the sewer lateral past the property line to the SAWS main; SAWS reimburses only the plumber locate charge, not the repair.",
   "exceptions": [
    "SAWS reimburses only normal and customary plumbing charges for electronically locating a problem beyond the property line, not the repair"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-antonio-tx-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.saws.org/service/plumbing-backed-up/"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Jose",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Jose owners legally own the whole lateral to the main, but the city repairs the lower segment for free once you show the defect is not on your side.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Public Works repairs the property-line-to-main segment without charge to the owner"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-jose-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT15PUUT_CH15.16SECOSTDR"
  },
  {
   "city": "Austin",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Austin caps the owner sewer-lateral duty at the property line - the exact opposite of San Antonio rule in the same state.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Codified private-lateral financing program available (Austin City Code 15-11-7)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/austin-tx-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT15UTRE_CH15-11PRLASELI"
  },
  {
   "city": "Boston",
   "state": "MA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Boston owners own the entire lateral from the basement to the main, but a BWSC grant covers up to $8,000 of the repair once a decade.",
   "exceptions": [
    "BWSC financial-assistance grant: up to $8,000 (8ft relay) or $6,000 (full replacement), once per 10 years"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/boston-ma-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.bwsc.org/residential-customers/programs-and-guidelines/sewer-lateral-financial-assistance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Portland",
   "state": "OR",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Portland is unusually owner-friendly: the city maintains the lateral from the main all the way to the street-side curb face; the owner only covers curb-to-building.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Where the main is between the property line and curb, or in an easement, the city-maintained portion is limited to the wye/tee connection"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/portland-or-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.portland.gov/code/17/32"
  },
  {
   "city": "Charlotte",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Charlotte owners own the lateral even under the street but are barred from touching it - Charlotte Water does the work and eats the cost for common failures like tree roots.",
   "exceptions": [
    "CMUD bears repair cost for health-hazard laterals, right-of-way tree roots, rodents, and inflow/infiltration"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/charlotte-nc-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nc/charlotte/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH23WASEINWADIRE_ARTIISECOUSCH"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oakland",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Oakland code splits the lateral into an upper and lower segment by name, then makes the owner responsible for both, all the way to the main.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oakland-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ca/oakland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13PUSE_CH13.08BUSE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Houston draws the line at the street cleanout: the owner pipe ends there, and Houston Public Works owns the segment from the cleanout to the main.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-tx-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://houstonpublicworks.org/protect-our-pipes"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Los Angeles, when a city street tree cracks your sidewalk, you still pay: the abutting owner owns the repair, tree or no tree.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner may root-prune with a StreetsLA Urban Forestry permit, but pays for the work"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://streetsla.lacity.org/resources/policies-and-guidelines"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Chicago keeps sidewalk repair on the owner even for parkway-tree damage; the only relief is the voluntary Shared Cost program, which does not care what caused the crack.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Voluntary Shared Cost Sidewalk Program: subsidized rate (not free, not tree-specific); senior/disability discount"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-il-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.chicago.gov/content/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/street/svcs/shared_cost_sidewalkprogram.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Houston makes the abutting owner repair sidewalks with no tree exception, a keyword sweep of the sidewalk code returns zero mentions of \"tree\" or \"root.\"",
   "exceptions": [
    "City replaces sidewalks only on thoroughfares, near schools, or for mobility-impaired residents"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-tx-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.houstontx.gov/council/f/faq.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Phoenix puts sidewalk repair and injury liability on the abutting owner, and can lien your property for the cost, with no exception for city-tree root damage.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/phoenix-az-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://phoenix.municipal.codes/CC/31-54"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Antonio",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Antonio puts the tree strip on the owner: the code makes the abutting owner keep the sidewalk, parkway, curb and driveway free from defects. The City's Sidewalk Rebate Program pays back 50 to 70 percent of the repair cost, up to $3,000, while funds last.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-antonio-tx-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH29STSI_ARTIINGE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Dallas",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Dallas: the abutting owner must repair a defective sidewalk at the owner's expense, and Ch. 48 on trees does not shift that bill.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/dallas-tx-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-120658"
  },
  {
   "city": "Columbus",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Columbus owns its street trees but still bills the abutting owner for the sidewalk they damage, the sidewalk code never mentions trees or roots.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/columbus-oh-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT9STPAPUPRCO_CH905SISHEPADRCORE_905.01PU"
  },
  {
   "city": "Austin",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Austin is the exception: since 1999 the city itself repairs sidewalks, and it explicitly excludes public trees from the owner’s vegetation duty.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City runs the sidewalk repair/rehab program for ~2,800 miles of existing sidewalk; public street trees are the city’s responsibility"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/austin-tx-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.austintexas.gov/transportation-public-works/sidewalks-crossings-and-shared-streets-plan"
  },
  {
   "city": "Denver",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Denver flipped to a city-run sidewalk utility in 2024: a per-parcel service charge now funds all sidewalk repair, so tree-root damage is just the city’s program like everything else.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Mandatory per-parcel sidewalk service charge funds the city-run program; airport-authority property is exempt (49-147)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/denver-co-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/co/denver/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIREMUCO_CH49STSIOTPUWA_ARTVISICUGUDR_DIV5SIPRSIFU_S49-150ADDIMATRIN"
  },
  {
   "city": "Minneapolis",
   "state": "MN",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Minneapolis makes the whole lateral yours by ordinance: it is \"owned in its entirety by the land owner\" out to the main, replacement included.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/minneapolis-mn-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances/409829?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT19WASTSASE_CH511SASE"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "New York City puts the whole connection on the owner, including the curb-to-sewer segment under the street, and carves it out of DEP’s own maintenance duty.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City bears the cost only when repair is needed because of the city’s own reconstruction of the sewer"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-york-ny-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-44962"
  },
  {
   "city": "Baltimore",
   "state": "MD",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Baltimore says it plainly: \"The City does not repair or maintain private sewer lines\", the whole lateral to the public main is the homeowner’s.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/baltimore-md-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.baltimorecity.gov/publicworks/sanitary-sewer-consent-decree-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "Memphis",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Memphis defines the \"building sewer\" as the full run to the public main and bills every dollar of it to the owner.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/memphis-tn-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/TN/Memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13PUSE_CH13-4INGEDE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oklahoma City",
   "state": "OK",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Oklahoma City puts all repairs and maintenance of the private sewer line, and the cost, on the owner or occupant.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oklahoma-city-ok-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ok/oklahoma_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=OKMUCO2020_CH47SESEDI_ARTIINGE_S47-6COSEPRDE"
  },
  {
   "city": "St. Louis",
   "state": "MO",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In St. Louis the regional district (MSD) calls the lateral private property \"from your home or building to the main sewer line\", the owner’s to maintain and repair.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/st-louis-mo-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://msdprojectclear.org/customers/problems-tips/sewer-backups/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Cincinnati",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Cincinnati runs the most finely-split rule we found: the owner cleans the whole building sewer, but the district repairs the street/easement segment, unless a building sits over it or you can’t prove where the defect is.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The District's repair duty covers only the right-of-way / recorded easement segment and has listed exceptions; the owner must document it with a sewer cleaner contractor's receipt"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/cincinnati-oh-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://msdgc.org/sites/default/assets/downloads/doing_business/msd-rules-regulations/Article_20_Maintenance_of_the_Wastewater_Treatment_System_12-9-16.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Washington",
   "state": "DC",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Washington makes the owner clear the whole lateral including the public portion under the street, but DC Water steps in to help when a plumber can’t clear that public segment.",
   "exceptions": [
    "DC Water assists in clearing a blockage in the public portion when the owner’s plumber cannot (clearing help, not repair-cost subsidy)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-dc-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.dcwater.com/resources/emergencies/sewer-backup"
  },
  {
   "city": "Long Beach",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Long Beach splits it cleanly: the owner owns the building sewer to the property line, and the utility owns and repairs the house connection from there to the main, after you clear your side first.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Utility repairs the property-line-to-main segment, but only after the owner clears their own upstream segment and provides an accessible cleanout"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/long-beach-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.lbutilities.org/files/sharedassets/utilities/v/4/about-us/documents/rules-and-regs-2024.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fresno",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Fresno owns you the lateral all the way to the main, including the part under the sidewalk and street, but offers fee-deferral and a septic-abandonment loan to soften it.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Sewer Connection Agreement: fee deferral over up to 15 years",
    "Septic Abandonment Loan Program: up to $15,000 over up to 20 years"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-07",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fresno-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/sewer-wastewater/property-owners-contractors/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Detroit",
   "state": "MI",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Detroit: the property owner pays, the City requires owners to keep the adjacent sidewalk in good repair, with free City replacement only for damage from a City-planted tree.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tree Guarantee Policy: free City replacement of sections damaged by a City-planted tree between curb and sidewalk, subject to criteria."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/detroit-mi-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/sidewalk-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "Toledo",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Toledo: the property owner pays, the code makes the abutting owner responsible for keeping the sidewalk in repair, with a 24-hour snow-clearing duty.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/toledo-oh-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/toledo/latest/toledo_oh/0-0-0-99048"
  },
  {
   "city": "Lincoln",
   "state": "NE",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Lincoln: the City repairs sidewalks along public streets, a duty it took on after the 1990 and 1992 elections. Owners who hire their own contractor can get part of the cost back when funds are available. Snow and ice are still the owner's job.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/lincoln-ne-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/lincoln-ne/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=9773"
  },
  {
   "city": "Anchorage",
   "state": "AK",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Anchorage: the property owner pays, repairs are made at the owner’s expense after a 10-day notice, and owners clear snow and ice on adjacent walks daytime hours.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/anchorage-ak-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/49632144"
  },
  {
   "city": "Lexington",
   "state": "KY",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Lexington: the owner is responsible for sidewalk repair, but the city's grant program can cover 100 percent of the cost for qualifying low-income owner-occupied homes that get a repair notice.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/lexington-ky-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ky/lexington-fayette_urban/codes/code_of_ordinances/485367?nodeId=N3Qw8"
  },
  {
   "city": "Henderson",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Henderson: the property owner pays, the code puts maintenance and repair of the existing sidewalk on the owner, with a 30-day-notice-then-lien enforcement chain.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/henderson-nv-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nv/henderson/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT11STSI_CH11.06COMARESITRSTME_11.06.040MAREEXSI"
  },
  {
   "city": "Denver",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Denver: the City repairs sidewalks under the \"Denver Deserves Sidewalks\" program, funded by a recurring service charge on every property owner (owners still clear snow).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/denver-co-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/co/denver/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIREMUCO_CH49STSIOTPUWA_ARTVISICUGUDR_DIV5SIPRSIFU"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Seattle: the abutting owner is responsible for sidewalk repair, unless a City-owned tree or a City sewer line caused the damage; then the City repairs it.",
   "exceptions": [
    "If City infrastructure such as a City-owned tree or sewer line caused the damage, the City takes responsibility for the repair.",
    "SDOT says it has a significant backlog and cannot repair many locations that qualify."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/seattle-wa-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT15STSIUS_SUBTITLE_IIIMACO_CH15.72SIMA"
  },
  {
   "city": "Columbus",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Columbus: the abutting property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalk (and there is no residential snow-shoveling ordinance).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/columbus-oh-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT9STPAPUPRCO_CH905SISHEPADRCORE_905.06SIDRENMARE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Chicago: the City owns the sidewalk and there is no owner-repair mandate, repair is a voluntary cost-share with CDOT, while snow removal is the enforceable owner duty.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-il-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/street/svcs/shared_cost_sidewalkprogram.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Philadelphia: the abutting owner is responsible for the footway and curb; City-performed work is assessed to owners but capped at 30 percent of cost.",
   "exceptions": [
    "No exception for sidewalk damage caused by tree roots (Parks & Recreation street tree FAQ)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-pa-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-284213"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Phoenix: the abutting owner must keep the sidewalk in repair, on default the City repairs and liens the cost to the owner.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/phoenix-az-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://phoenix.municipal.codes/CC/31-54"
  },
  {
   "city": "Dallas",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Dallas: the owner must replace a defective sidewalk, but the City's Cost Share Program splits the cost 50/50 for existing residential sidewalk. The owner pays 100% of a drive approach.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Cost Share Program: the City shares the cost 50/50 for removing and replacing existing residential sidewalk; single family homes, condominiums and townhomes are eligible.",
    "The property owner pays 100% of drive approach removal and replacement, even in the program.",
    "Replacement by the owner or a private contractor needs a permit from the City of Dallas Permit Center."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/dallas-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://dallascityhall.com/departments/public-works/Pages/SidewalkReplacementProgram.aspx"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Francisco",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Francisco: the abutting owner maintains the sidewalk in good repair, but since July 2017 the City owns damage caused by street-tree roots.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Street-tree root damage: City responsibility since July 1, 2017 (§ 706(c))."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-francisco-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_publicworks/0-0-0-3530"
  },
  {
   "city": "Sacramento",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Sacramento: the abutting owner must repair a defective sidewalk, even when a City-owned tree's roots caused it. If the City does the work, the owner may qualify for interest-free installments.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/sacramento-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sacramentoca/latest/sacramento_ca/0-0-0-23641"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Diego: responsibility is shared by cause, the City owns tree/utility/grade/heat damage, the owner owns wear-and-tear and private-tree damage.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City covers right-of-way tree, utility, heat-expansion, and grade-subsidence damage."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sandiego.gov/street-div/services/roadways/sidewalk"
  },
  {
   "city": "Raleigh",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Raleigh: the abutting owner maintains the sidewalk in good repair, but the City takes on damage caused by a right-of-way tree root.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Right-of-way tree-root damage: City relief under § 11-6008."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/raleigh-nc-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nc/raleigh/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=DIVIICOGEOR_PT12LIRE_CH1STPUWA_ARTBSTUSCL_S12-1037.1RESIDRPROW"
  },
  {
   "city": "Kansas City",
   "state": "MO",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Kansas City: the City repairs sidewalks through its GO Bond program and says it will no longer assess home owners for sidewalk repair. The code still tells owners not to let the sidewalk fall out of repair, and snow and ice are the owner's job.",
   "exceptions": [
    "A 311 report does not result in an automatic repair; the City works through its inspection cycle.",
    "New sidewalk where none exists (a gap) may be funded up to 50% with GO Bonds, with a 50% match from other funds that can include adjacent property owners."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/kansas-city-mo-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/public-works/sidewalks/sidewalks-and-trees/sidewalk-backlog"
  },
  {
   "city": "Miami",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Miami: the owner pays only when the damage was owner-caused or came from a tree on the private property, other causes fall to the City.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner responsibility is limited to owner-caused or private-tree-root damage (§ 54-55).",
    "A sidewalk connected to or part of a driveway is the property owner's to repair.",
    "If a repair is needed, the City temporarily \"safes up\" the sidewalk within two weeks."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/miami-fl-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/fl/miami/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIITHCO_CH54STSI_ARTIICOEXRE_S54-55NORESIDRLAPALASWCU"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fort Worth",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Fort Worth: a defective sidewalk is a nuisance the abutting owner must repair within 30 days of notice, or face a misdemeanor.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fort-worth-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-28403"
  },
  {
   "city": "Cleveland",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Cleveland: the abutting owner keeps the sidewalk in repair, but a voluntary 50/50 City program will split the cost of the work.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/cleveland-oh-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-53682"
  },
  {
   "city": "Colorado Springs",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Colorado Springs: the City says owners are not responsible for maintaining the sidewalk concrete next to their property, though they keep legal liability for it. An owner can pay half to speed up a high-severity repair, and snow is always the owner's.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner billed when the City Engineer finds the owner caused the need, or on redevelopment (§ 3.4.104).",
    "Concrete Cost Share Program: an owner who pays half can have a \"High\" severity repair expedited; the City's contractor does the work."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/colorado-springs-co-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-5071"
  },
  {
   "city": "Aurora",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Aurora: unusual for its region, the City maintains and repairs sidewalks, curb and gutter, while owners handle driveways and snow removal.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owners handle driveways/aprons and may privately contract ROW repairs at their own expense."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/aurora-co-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_1881137/File/Residents/Streets,%20Sidewalks%20&%20Transportation/Roadwork%20&%20Construction%20Projects/014536.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Jersey City",
   "state": "NJ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Jersey City: the abutting owner is responsible for maintaining and replacing the sidewalk and curb, tree-root trip hazards included, and for clearing snow.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The City sometimes improves sidewalks as part of larger corridor projects."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/jersey-city-nj-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nj/jersey_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH296STSIPURI-W_ARTIGEPRDUPROWOC_S296-1.13UNSIRESIESPROW"
  },
  {
   "city": "Madison",
   "state": "WI",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Madison: when the City replaces defective sidewalk in its Sidewalk Replacement Program, the cost is not assessed to the owner (policy revised in 2022). Extra sidewalk an owner asks the City to replace is paid 100% by the owner, and an owner who repairs on their own can get a rebate of about one third.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Additional sidewalk requested for replacement by the property owner is paid 100% by the property owner.",
    "Drive aprons replaced in the program at the owner's request are assessed 100% to the owner.",
    "New sidewalk (where none existed) is assessed 100%, with grant reimbursement possible under the policy."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/madison-wi-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/documents/6_2%20Street%20Assessment%20Policy%20%282022%29.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Corpus Christi",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Corpus Christi: the abutting owner must keep the sidewalk in good repair, on default the City builds it and liens the cost.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/corpus-christi-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tx/corpus_christi/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIITHCOOR_CH49STSI_ARTIISTSICUGUDRCO_DIV2DRSICUGU_S49-34SISPGERE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Birmingham",
   "state": "AL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Birmingham: the code tells the owner to repair a broken sidewalk within 10 days of the City Engineer's notice, but the City's Public Works Construction Division says it maintains and repairs City sidewalks, and the City has put money into sidewalk repairs. Report it through 311 before you hire anyone.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The City's pages do not say whether it still bills owners for sidewalk repairs. Ask through 311 first."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/birmingham-al-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/al/birmingham/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PT1THCOGEOR_TIT4MUSE_CH5STSI_ARTAGEPR_S4-5-11DEUNCOIDGRPL"
  },
  {
   "city": "Newark",
   "state": "NJ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Newark: the owner, lessee or occupant must pave and maintain the abutting sidewalk and curb at their own expense, and clear snow within 12 daylight hours.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The City says it does not perform sidewalk repairs or cover the cost (Rooted in Newark street tree program)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/newark-nj-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/36671763"
  },
  {
   "city": "Buffalo",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Buffalo: the abutting owner keeps the sidewalk in repair, but the City repairs street-tree-root damage at its own expense.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City street-tree root damage: repaired by DPW at the sole expense of the City."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/buffalo-ny-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/13626617"
  },
  {
   "city": "Spokane",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Spokane: the abutting owner and occupant must keep the sidewalk in good and safe repair, at their own expense if the City has to step in.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/spokane-wa-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/?Section=12.01.010"
  },
  {
   "city": "Rochester",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Rochester: owners are responsible for sidewalks under the Charter, but the City itself repairs hazardous sidewalks through a citywide program.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City performs hazardous-sidewalk repairs through its area program."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/rochester-ny-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/8678621"
  },
  {
   "city": "St. Paul",
   "state": "MN",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "St. Paul: the City repairs sidewalks and does not charge owners outside downtown; only downtown owners are assessed (owners still clear snow).",
   "exceptions": [
    "Downtown property owners are assessed for panel replacement."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/st-paul-mn-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/archive/street-maintenance-service-program-policiesfinal11242021.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Riverside",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Riverside: the abutting owner repairs and maintains the sidewalk area, but the City owns damage caused by a City street tree.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City-owned street-tree damage is not the owner’s responsibility (§ 13.10.119)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/riverside-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT13STSITRTR_CH13.10MARESITR_13.10.010MARESITR"
  },
  {
   "city": "St. Petersburg",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "St. Petersburg: the abutting owner must keep the sidewalk in repair or, after 30 days’ notice, be treated as maintaining a nuisance.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The City says its Pavement Operations unit maintains sidewalks and takes reports of sidewalk problems. Ask the City before you pay for a repair."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/st-petersburg-fl-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/fl/st._petersburg/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIISTPECO_CH25STSIMIPUPL_ARTIVSI_DIV2CORE_S25-191DUABOWMA"
  },
  {
   "city": "Winston-Salem",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Winston-Salem: the City’s Street Division repairs, replaces and maintains sidewalks; the owner’s only duty is clearing snow.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/winston-salem-nc-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.cityofws.org/1317/Sidewalks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Scottsdale",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Scottsdale: the City states sidewalks must be maintained by the adjacent property owner, who must keep the right-of-way to the property line in safe condition.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/scottsdale-az-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/transportation/street-operations"
  },
  {
   "city": "Reno",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Reno: the owner pays to repair the sidewalk only if the owner caused the need; ordinary deterioration falls to the City (owners still handle snow and sweeping).",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner repair compelled only where the owner caused the need (NRS 278.02313)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/reno-nv-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nv/reno/codes/administrative_code?nodeId=PT2READCO_TIT12PUWOUT_CH12.20SICUGUTRRE_S12.20.005DUMASICUGUTR"
  },
  {
   "city": "Baton Rouge",
   "state": "LA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Baton Rouge: owners fronting paved sidewalks must pave, repair and keep them in repair at their own expense.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/baton-rouge-la-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/la/baton_rouge/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2STALSIBASE_CH3SI_PTIIREMACOSI_S2_171DUOW"
  },
  {
   "city": "Durham",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Durham: the City’s Street Maintenance Division repairs existing public sidewalks and trip hazards; the owner’s duty is keeping them clear of obstructions.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/durham-nc-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.durhamnc.gov/4156/ConcreteSidewalk-Repairs"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tacoma",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Tacoma: the abutting owner may not permit a defective sidewalk (or snow/ice defect) to remain, repair and maintenance responsibility rests on the owner.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tacoma-wa-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/48390704"
  },
  {
   "city": "Grand Rapids",
   "state": "MI",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Grand Rapids: the City constructs and repairs public sidewalks; the owner’s duty is driveway approaches and clearing snow.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/grand-rapids-mi-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/engineering/sidewalks/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Anaheim",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Anaheim: the abutting owner maintains the sidewalk, and even pays for damage from a tree on the property that cracks a City-owned sidewalk.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/anaheim-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/anaheim/latest/anaheim_ca/0-0-0-60909"
  },
  {
   "city": "Santa Ana",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Santa Ana: state law (§ 5610) keeps the sidewalk liability on the owner, but the City’s repair program says it maintains and repairs all city sidewalks.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/santa-ana-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=SHC&sectionNum=5610"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chula Vista",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Chula Vista: the code makes the abutting owner liable for sidewalk upkeep, but the City has been replacing sidewalks and slicing trip hazards with Measure P money since 2020. Report the spot to Public Works before you pay for a repair.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The City's pages do not say whether owners are still billed or liened for sidewalk repairs. Ask Public Works first."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-03",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chula-vista-ca-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://chulavista.municipal.codes/CVMC/12.12.070"
  },
  {
   "city": "Glendale",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Glendale: the City’s Street Maintenance Division repairs existing sidewalks; owner cost applies only to council-ordered new construction.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owners bear cost of council-ordered new required street/sidewalk construction (§ 30-51)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/glendale-az-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Live/City-Services/Street-Maintenance-Services"
  },
  {
   "city": "North Las Vegas",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "North Las Vegas: state law bars the City from making owners repair an abutting sidewalk, ordinary deterioration is the City’s; only a party who damages it pays.",
   "exceptions": [
    "A person who damages the sidewalk pays the repair cost (§ 12.08.350)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/north-las-vegas-nv-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-278.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Irving",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Irving: the abutting owner must keep the sidewalk free of deterioration and hazards, and bears the repair cost, with a City lien on default.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/irving-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/45683645"
  },
  {
   "city": "Garland",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Garland: the abutting owner must keep the sidewalk in good repair, but the City’s Sidewalk Participation Program splits the cost 50/50 (less for many owners).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/garland-tx-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/40075935"
  },
  {
   "city": "Hialeah",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Hialeah: the owner pays only for damage they caused, an ordinary defective sidewalk the owner did not cause is repaired by the City at no charge.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner pays only for owner-caused damage; other defects repaired by the City at no charge."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/hialeah-fl-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/fl/hialeah/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH82STSIOTPUPL_ARTIVSICUGU_DIV2CO_S82-91CUGUSIMAABOWOC"
  },
  {
   "city": "Raleigh",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Raleigh: the owner maintains the sidewalk, but the City repairs damage caused by a right-of-way tree’s trunk or roots.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Right-of-way tree trunk/root damage: City relieves the owner and repairs (§ 11-6008)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/raleigh-nc-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nc/raleigh/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=DIVIICOGEOR_PT11TR_CH6STMA_S11-6008CIRESIRERESIRABRET"
  },
  {
   "city": "Riverside",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Riverside: the owner maintains the sidewalk, but is exempt from damage caused by a City-owned street tree.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City-owned street-tree root damage: owner exempt, City repairs (§ 13.10.119)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/riverside-ca-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT13STSITRTR_CH13.10MARESITR_13.10.119EX"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "New York: owners generally maintain the sidewalk (§ 7-210), but owner-occupied 1-3 family homes are excepted and NYC Parks repairs City-tree root damage to them.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner-occupied 1-2-3-family homes excepted from § 7-210; City-tree root damage to them repaired by NYC Parks."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-york-ny-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-4164"
  },
  {
   "city": "Buffalo",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Buffalo: the City pays in full to repair sidewalk damage from a tree or roots on City-owned land; the owner is responsible otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tree/roots on City-owned land: full City-expense repair and removal (§ 413-44(E))."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/buffalo-ny-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://ecode360.com/13626617"
  },
  {
   "city": "Anaheim",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Anaheim: the owner pays to repair sidewalk damage caused by a tree on their property, even when the sidewalk itself is City-owned.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/anaheim-ca-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/anaheim/latest/anaheim_ca/0-0-0-60909"
  },
  {
   "city": "Sacramento",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Sacramento: the owner must repair a tree-root-damaged sidewalk, the duty stays with the owner regardless of whose tree caused it.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/sacramento-ca-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sacramentoca/latest/sacramento_ca/0-0-0-23667"
  },
  {
   "city": "Charlotte",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Charlotte: the City’s CDOT Street Maintenance Division repairs damaged public sidewalks, tree-root uplift included; report it via 311.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/charlotte-nc-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Parking-and-Streets/Street-and-Sidewalk-Maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Miami",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Miami: the City repairs public sidewalks made un-level by tree roots; the owner pays only for a driveway-connected portion.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Driveway-connected sidewalk portion is the owner’s; county-jurisdiction sidewalks go to Miami-Dade."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/miami-fl-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.miami.gov/My-Home-Neighborhood/Solve-a-Problem/Report-a-Damaged-Sidewalk"
  },
  {
   "city": "Boston",
   "state": "MA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Boston: the City owns all street trees and repairs sidewalk damage on City property, so City-tree root heave is the City’s to fix.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/boston-ma-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/sidewalk-repair-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Jose",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Jose: the owner is responsible for both the street tree and the sidewalk, so tree-root sidewalk damage is the owner’s cost.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-jose-ca-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13STSIPUPL_CH13.28STTRHESH_PT4MAREPR_13.28.400PROWMAESDUPU"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fort Worth",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Fort Worth: the City owns the street tree, but the abutting owner still pays to repair sidewalk damage from its roots.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fort-worth-tx-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-28403"
  },
  {
   "city": "Minneapolis",
   "state": "MN",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Minneapolis: the owner pays for sidewalk repair including tree-root damage, even though the Park Board owns the boulevard trees.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/minneapolis-mn-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT17STSI_CH427INGE_ARTIGE_427.90OWBURESI"
  },
  {
   "city": "Indianapolis",
   "state": "IN",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Indianapolis: the abutting owner repairs the adjacent sidewalk on notice, with no tree-root carve-out, so root damage is the owner’s too.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/indianapolis-in-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-36/article-9/chapter-36/section-36-9-36-17/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oklahoma City",
   "state": "OK",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Oklahoma City: the abutting owner repairs the sidewalk (a City cost-share exists for qualified homes); no tree-root carve-out, so root damage is the owner’s too.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oklahoma-city-ok-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-11/section-11-36-104/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Washington",
   "state": "DC",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Washington, DC: DDOT repairs public sidewalks including tree-root heave as a 311 service; street trees sit in District public space.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-dc-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://ddot.dc.gov/service/sidewalk-repair"
  },
  {
   "city": "Detroit",
   "state": "MI",
   "issue": "Tree Roots",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Detroit: the owner keeps the sidewalk in repair, but the City may replace City-tree root damage for free under its Tree Guarantee Policy.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City-tree root damage (curb-to-sidewalk berm): free City replacement under the Tree Guarantee Policy, criteria-based."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-09",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/detroit-mi-tree-roots/",
   "primarySource": "https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/sidewalk-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "Denver",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Denver: the property owner owns the whole water service line, \"owned by and installed at the expense of the property owner,\" all the way to the tap at the main under the street.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/denver-co-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.denverwater.org/residential/services-and-information/homeowner-responsibility"
  },
  {
   "city": "Denver",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Denver: past the gas meter it is yours, Xcel owns the line to the meter, and \"you are responsible for maintaining any natural gas lines from the meter outlet\" onward.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/denver-co-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe-responsive/Billing%20&%20Payment/Understanding%20Your%20Bill/Bill%20Inserts%20and%20Onserts/1707ON07_MN_ND_MI_WI_CO_CustomerOwnedGasLines_Res_Biz_FPF_G,E&G.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Columbus",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Columbus: it is split at the curb stop, the city owns the main-to-curb-stop section, and the owner owns the curb stop to the home.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/columbus-oh-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information"
  },
  {
   "city": "Columbus",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Columbus: from the gas meter to your appliances is yours, Columbia Gas owns \"up to and including the gas meter,\" you own the rest.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/columbus-oh-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.columbiagasohio.com/safety/natural-gas-safety/gas-line-responsibilities"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Phoenix: the meter is the line, \"the water meter is what separates city and private property in determining who is responsible for leak repairs.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/phoenix-az-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://web-prod.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/waterservicessite/documents/wsdplumbtips2.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Phoenix: the buried gas yard line past the meter is yours, Southwest Gas owns to the meter, \"COYLs must be maintained by the property owner.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/phoenix-az-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.swgas.com/en/coyl"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Chicago: split at the parkway shut-off valve, the City owns main-to-valve, and \"from the external shut-off valve into the home... is the property and responsibility of homeowners.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-il-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2020/september/EquityFocusedLeadServiceReplacement.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Chicago: the pipes past the gas meter are yours, Peoples Gas maintains the line to the meter, customers own \"the pipes that exit the meter.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-il-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/safety/piping-faq"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Houston: split at the meter, the City fixes meter-to-street, and \"if there is a leak anywhere between the meter and the house, the repair is [the owner’s] responsibility.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-tx-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://houston311.powerappsportals.us/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-02085"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Houston: past the gas meter is yours, CenterPoint owns to the meter, you maintain \"customer-owned piping on the other side of the meter.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-tx-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/safety/pipeline/customer-owned-lines"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Antonio",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Antonio: split at the meter, SAWS owns main-to-meter, and the owner owns \"the customer-owned service line from the water meter to the building.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-antonio-tx-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.saws.org/lead/service-line-inventory/"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Antonio",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "San Antonio: past the gas meter is yours, \"CPS Energy is not liable or responsible for gas piping and appliances located downstream of the gas meter.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-antonio-tx-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.cpsenergy.com/content/dam/corporate/en/Documents/Gas_Service_Standards_CPSEnergy.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Dallas",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Dallas: the private service line from the meter is yours, \"property owners are responsible for maintaining the private portion of the service line... coming from the meter.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/dallas-tx-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-water-utilities-customers-receive-notification-letters-about-their-service-lines"
  },
  {
   "city": "Dallas",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Dallas: past the gas meter is yours, \"you are responsible for any natural gas piping on your property from our gas meter to your home or business.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/dallas-tx-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/home-safety/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Seattle: the meter is the divide, SPU frames leaks as \"on either the customer’s side or the City side of the water meter,\" and the customer owns the customer-side pipes.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-10",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/seattle-wa-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SPU/AboutUs/Policies-Directors-Rules/accounts/CS-325_Leak-Adjustments-Retail-Customers.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Gas Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Seattle: past the gas meter is yours. \"Puget Sound Energy owns the natural gas pipelines up to your meter. From there on, they belong to you.\"",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/seattle-wa-gas-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.pse.com/en/safety/natural-gas-safety/maintain-your-piping"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Roof Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In a California condo, the HOA pays for roof repairs by default, the roof is common area under the Davis-Stirling Act, and the association must repair, replace and maintain it unless your CC&Rs say otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The CC&Rs (declaration) can shift a maintenance or replacement duty to owners",
    "Owner-negligence damage can create a chargeback to that owner"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-condo-who-pays-roof-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4775&lawCode=CIV"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Windows & Doors",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "California condo windows and sliding doors are \"exclusive use common area\", the owner maintains them but the HOA is responsible for repair and replacement by default, though CC&Rs very commonly flip replacement onto the owner.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The CC&Rs may reassign window/door replacement to the owner",
    "Facade-affecting replacements usually route through the association architectural process"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-condo-who-pays-window-replacement/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4145&lawCode=CIV"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In a Florida condo, the association maintains the common elements, the building structure and exterior envelope, as the default under §718.113, unless the declaration assigns a limited common element to you.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration may assign a limited common element (balcony, assigned terrace) to the owner, at the owner's cost or shared",
    "Casualty repair follows the insurance/reconstruction rules (see the water-leak record)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/florida-condo-who-pays-common-element-maintenance/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/718.113"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Water-Leak Reconstruction",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "After an insured water loss in a Florida condo, the association rebuilds the structure as a common expense, but you pay for your floor, wall and ceiling coverings, appliances and cabinets, and for the whole repair if your negligence caused the leak.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Negligence/intentional-conduct chargeback shifts cost to the responsible owner",
    "The declaration allocates specific responsibilities within these statutory limits"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/florida-condo-who-pays-repair-after-water-leak/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/718.111"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Landlord–Tenant Plumbing",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In California, the landlord, not the tenant, pays to repair plumbing, running water and heat: they are habitability essentials under Civil Code §1941.1, and only tenant-caused damage shifts the cost to the renter.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Damage caused by the tenant (or their guests) is the tenant's responsibility (Civ. Code §1941.2)",
    "The tenant must give the landlord notice of the defect"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-landlord-tenant-who-pays-plumbing-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1941.1&lawCode=CIV"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In a North Carolina condo, the association maintains, repairs and replaces the common elements; you pay for your own unit, with limited common elements billed to the owners who use them (N.C.G.S. §47C-3-107).",
   "exceptions": [
    "Limited-common-element costs follow the §47C-3-115(b) assessment split",
    "The declaration can allocate specific duties"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/north-carolina-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_47C/GS_47C-3-107.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In an Arizona condo, the association maintains, repairs and replaces the common elements and each owner handles their own unit, under A.R.S. §33-1247, owners must give access through their units for that work.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration can allocate limited-common-element upkeep",
    "Declarant-reserved-element and slum-property provisions exist in the same section"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/arizona-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01247.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Deck, Patio & Fence",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In an Ohio condo, a patio, deck or fence set up as a limited common element is maintained and insured by the unit owner it belongs to, not the association, under R.C. §5311.04.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration/board resolution controls which items are limited common elements"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-14",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/ohio-condo-who-pays-deck-patio-fence-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5311.04"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In a Nevada condo, the association maintains, repairs and replaces the common elements and each owner their own unit, under NRS 116.3107, unless the declaration says otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration may reallocate",
    "Casualty repair follows NRS 116.31135 (insurance)",
    "Limited common elements follow the declaration / NRS 116.3115"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-14",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nevada-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2022/chapter-116/statute-116-3107/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Under Washington's WUCIOA, the association must maintain, repair and replace all common elements, including limited common elements, while each owner handles their own unit, unless the declaration says otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration may reallocate",
    "Casualty repairs under RCW 64.90.470(8)",
    "Board may shift designated high-risk components to owners (64.90.440(2))"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-14",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.90.440"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Under Colorado's CCIOA, the association is responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing the common elements and each owner for their own unit, under C.R.S. 38-33.3-307, unless the declaration says otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration may reallocate",
    "Casualty/insurance under 38-33.3-313(9)",
    "Limited common elements follow the declaration / 38-33.3-315"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/colorado-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/2022/title-38/article-33-3/part-3/section-38-33-3-307/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In an Illinois condo, the Condominium Property Act makes the board responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and replacement of the common elements; the unit interior is the owner's under the declaration.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration controls unit-vs-common boundaries and any reallocation",
    "Large improvement expenditures (>5% of annual budget) can trigger an owner-petition/ratification vote"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-14",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/illinois-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=076506050K18.4"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Under the Texas Uniform Condominium Act, the association maintains the common elements and each owner their unit, but the owner also pays for utilities, windows and doors serving only their unit, even outside the unit boundary, unless the declaration says otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration may reallocate",
    "Subsections (b) and (c) put unit-serving utilities/windows/doors on the owner",
    "Pre-1994 condos fall under Ch. 81"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/texas-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.82.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In a Virginia condo, the cost of repairing a limited common element is specially assessed only to the unit(s) it serves, while general common-element costs are spread across all units, unless the condominium instruments say otherwise.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The condominium instruments may provide otherwise",
    "This section allocates cost, not the physical maintenance duty (see Va. Code 55.1-1955)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-14",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-condo-who-pays-limited-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.justia.com/codes/virginia/2022/title-55-1/chapter-19/section-55-1-1964/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Seattle homeowners own their \"side sewer\" all the way to where it connects to the public sewer pipe, not just to the property line.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/seattle-wa-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/sewer-and-drainage/side-sewers/maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Philadelphia owners must repair the lateral, the pipe running from the house drain to the public sewer, including the tap connection.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-pa-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://water.phila.gov/customer-responsibilities/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Philadelphia, once water leaves the PWD main in the street, every pipe up to and inside the house is the customer’s to fix.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-pa-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://water.phila.gov/customer-responsibilities/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Milwaukee",
   "state": "WI",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Milwaukee splits the water service line at the curb stop: the City owns the street-to-curb section and the homeowner owns curb-to-house, including if it is lead.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Lead-service-line replacement programs may subsidize or coordinate the owner-side replacement"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/milwaukee-wi-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://city.milwaukee.gov/water/LeadPipes"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nashville",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Metro Nashville owns the water service line up to the meter; everything from the meter to the building is the property owner’s, lead pipe or not.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nashville-tn-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nashville.gov/departments/water/water-quality/lead/eliminate"
  },
  {
   "city": "Las Vegas",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Las Vegas, the abutting property owner must maintain and repair the public sidewalk fronting their lot, and if they don’t, the City repairs it and liens the property for the cost.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/las-vegas-nv-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nv/las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13STSIPUPL_CH13.56COMARESITRST_13.56.040MAREEXSI"
  },
  {
   "city": "Orlando",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Orlando splits sidewalk repair by cause: the abutting owner pays only when the damage is attributable to them, but sidewalks broken by a City parkway tree’s roots or limbs are repaired by the City at no cost to the owner.",
   "exceptions": [
    "City pays for City-parkway-tree damage (roots/limbs/removal) at no cost to owner"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/orlando-fl-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/fl/orlando/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIICICO_CH54STSI_ARTIIICORESI_S54.41NOCORESIPADUABOW"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tucson",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Tucson puts sidewalk repair squarely on the abutting owner: owners of property fronting any street or alley must keep the public sidewalk in good repair, and are liable to the City for injuries caused by failing to do so.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tucson-az-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/tucson/latest/tucson_az/0-0-0-18697"
  },
  {
   "city": "Greensboro",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Greensboro is a cost-split city: the City Council decides how much of a sidewalk’s cost the City bears and how much is assessed to abutting owners, but the owner’s share is capped at $3.00 per foot.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner assessment capped at $3.00/ft (sidewalk) / $5.00/ft (driveway)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/greensboro-nc-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/nc/greensboro/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH26STSI_ARTIIISIDRCORE_DIV1GE_S26-65SPAS"
  },
  {
   "city": "El Paso",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "El Paso Water tells homeowners plainly: any water-line repair on your property is yours to pay for.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/el-paso-tx-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.epwater.org/residential/services-and-information/leaks-and-property-protection/service-line-warranty-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "El Paso",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In El Paso, the same rule that governs water covers wastewater: sewer lines on your property are the homeowner’s to repair.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/el-paso-tx-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.epwater.org/residential/services-and-information/leaks-and-property-protection/service-line-warranty-program"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Diego splits the water service line at the meter: the customer owns the pipe from the meter to the building, the City owns the meter-to-main portion.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-11",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities/water-quality/water-quality-in-your-home-or-business"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oakland",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Oakland’s water utility (EBMUD) fixes leaks up to the water meter, everything from the meter to the house is the customer’s to repair.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oakland-ca-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.ebmud.com/customers/service-line-insurance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Colorado Springs",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Colorado Springs Utilities maintains its side up to the connection point on your property, from there the private water service line is yours to repair.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/colorado-springs-co-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.csu.org/safety/service-line-responsibility"
  },
  {
   "city": "Colorado Springs",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Colorado Springs applies one rule to water and wastewater alike: past the connection point on your property, the private sewer line is the owner’s to repair.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/colorado-springs-co-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.csu.org/safety/service-line-responsibility"
  },
  {
   "city": "St. Louis",
   "state": "MO",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In St. Louis, the property owner owns the entire water service line, a City insurance program maintains it up to the stop box, but the owner owns and is responsible for the whole line.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/st-louis-mo-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.stlwater.com/resources/get-the-lead-out/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Minneapolis",
   "state": "MN",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Minneapolis, the property owner owns the entire water service line from the main in the street to the home, including the stop box.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/minneapolis-mn-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/water/water-quality/water-quality-lead/plumbing-faucets/"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Jose",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In most of San Jose, the water utility (San Jose Water) owns the line up to the meter outlet coupling; the customer owns everything from there to the house.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Applies to the San Jose Water Company service area (most of the city); a few districts are on the City municipal system"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-jose-ca-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sjwater.com/work-with-us/builders-contractors/whos-responsible-for-what/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Raleigh",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Raleigh, the homeowner owns the sewer lateral, the pipe from the house to where it connects to the City’s main sewer line; the City owns the mains in the public right-of-way.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/raleigh-nc-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/news/know-your-pipes"
  },
  {
   "city": "Albuquerque",
   "state": "NM",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Albuquerque, the Water Authority owns only the main sewer line in the street, the sewer lateral beneath the property, and the pipe connecting it to the main, are the owner’s.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/albuquerque-nm-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.abcwua.org/sewer-system-sewer-line-responsibility/"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In San Diego the property owner maintains the sewer lateral all the way to the City main, even where that connection sits in the street, an easement, or a canyon.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities/customer-service/your-home-plumbing/sewer"
  },
  {
   "city": "Memphis",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Memphis calls the water service line a shared responsibility between the utility (MLGW) and the homeowner.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/memphis-tn-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.mlgw.com/residential/waterservicelines"
  },
  {
   "city": "Austin",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Austin, the property owner is responsible for the water service line past the meter and for internal plumbing; Austin Water maintains the mains.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/austin-tx-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.austintexas.gov/water/water-leaks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Portland",
   "state": "OR",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Portland, the property owner is responsible for the water pipes from the meter to the house.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/portland-or-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.portland.gov/water/leaks"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chattanooga",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Chattanooga the abutting owner must repair a defective sidewalk; if they don’t after notice, the city does it at the owner’s expense and the owner can be liable for injuries.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chattanooga-tn-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tn/chattanooga/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH32STSI_ARTVCUSICOMA_S32-103WHOWOCCORESI"
  },
  {
   "city": "Little Rock",
   "state": "AR",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Little Rock puts it on the abutting owner: build and maintain the abutting sidewalk in safe condition, and remove and re-lay any section broken or lifted by age, usage, or roots.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/little-rock-ar-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ar/little_rock/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH30STSI_ARTIICOCUDRSIET_S30-36DUABPROWCOMAET"
  },
  {
   "city": "Shreveport",
   "state": "LA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Shreveport requires every record owner to keep the abutting sidewalk, curb and banquette in good and safe condition, ignore a 30-day repair demand and the city does the work and takes a priority lien.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/shreveport-la-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/la/shreveport/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH78STSIOTPUPL_ARTIIISI_S78-136DUABPROWKESICUBARESTLIPRIFPEWO"
  },
  {
   "city": "Knoxville",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Knoxville makes it the abutting owner’s duty to maintain and repair the adjoining sidewalk, not done within 10 days of notice and the city does it and files a lien.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/knoxville-tn-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/tn/knoxville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH23STSI_ARTIICORESIDR_S23-42RERE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Norfolk",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Norfolk is a city-maintains outlier: the public works director keeps sidewalks in repair, and whoever damages a sidewalk pays the city’s estimated repair cost while the city does the actual repair.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/norfolk-va-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/va/norfolk/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCI_CH42STSI_ARTIINGE_S42-21GEREPADASI"
  },
  {
   "city": "Providence",
   "state": "RI",
   "issue": "Sidewalk Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Providence runs a directed-repair model: the public works director decides how and when a sidewalk is repaired and notices the owner, if the owner doesn’t comply the city does the work and bills the cost plus 10% onto the owner’s tax.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/providence-ri-sidewalk-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH23STSIPUPL_ARTIIICORESI_S23-67EFNOTILICORE"
  },
  {
   "city": "Kansas City",
   "state": "MO",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Kansas City, the homeowner owns the water service line from the service connection to the building; KC Water fixes only the meter and the public main.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/kansas-city-mo-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.kcwater.us/customer-support/leak-detection/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Charlotte",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Charlotte, the property owner maintains every water pipe starting at the end of the meter; Charlotte Water keeps the meter and the mains.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/charlotte-nc-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://cltwaterblog.org/2023/03/16/understanding-homeowners-responsibility/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Omaha",
   "state": "NE",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Omaha, the property owner owns and maintains the water service line, the pipe running from the house to M.U.D.’s main.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/omaha-ne-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.mudomaha.com/your-water/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fresno",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "In Fresno, city responsibility for the water line stops in the public street; the customer-responsible portion begins immediately beyond the water meter.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-12",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fresno-ca-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/water-service-lines/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Liability — Contractor Did Defective Work, Must They Fix It",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "In Texas you cannot go straight to court over a contractor defect: send a written notice at least 60 days before filing suit, and the contractor then has 60 days to make a settlement offer.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/contractor-defective-work-must-they-fix-it/",
   "primarySource": "https://guides.sll.texas.gov/consumer-protection/construction-defects"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Liability — Contractor Didn't Finish and Took Deposit",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Never let payments get ahead of completed work, withhold final payment until the job is done and you're satisfied. If a licensed contractor walks off with your deposit, in California you can file a claim directly against the contractor's surety bond.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/contractor-didnt-finish-job-took-my-deposit/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Liability — Neighbor's Tree Fell on My House/Roof",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "If a healthy tree falls on your house in a storm, insurance treats it as an act of nature: file with your own homeowners insurer, not the neighbor's. If the tree was dead, diseased or visibly leaning and the neighbor knew but didn't remove it, the neighbor can be responsible for the damage if negligence can be proven. Photograph the tree and put the neighbor on notice in writing.",
   "exceptions": [
    "A dead, diseased or visibly leaning tree the neighbor knew about can shift the damage to the neighbor, if negligence can be proven"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/who-pays-neighbors-tree-fell-on-my-house/",
   "primarySource": "https://extension.okstate.edu/articles/2024/homeowners_insurance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Liability — Damaged Mailbox, Who Repairs It",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Under USPS rules the purchase, installation, maintenance and replacement of your mailbox are not the Postal Service's responsibility; willful destruction of a mailbox is a separate federal crime.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Willful or malicious destruction of a mailbox is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 1705"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/damaged-mailbox-who-repairs-it/",
   "primarySource": "https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/508.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In California, the landlord must keep a rental unit fit to live in and repair habitability problems under Civil Code Section 1941/1941.1; if they don't after notice, the tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent or move out under Section 1942.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Landlord's repair duty does not extend to dilapidations described in Civil Code Section 1929 (e.g., conditions the tenant is responsible for)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941."
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Texas, the landlord must diligently repair conditions materially affecting health/safety or hot water under Property Code Section 92.052, unless the tenant caused the damage; if the landlord doesn't fix it after proper notice, the tenant can terminate the lease, repair-and-deduct, or sue under Section 92.056.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Unless caused by normal wear and tear, the landlord has no duty to repair a condition caused by the tenant, a lawful occupant, a family member, or a guest/invitee of the tenant (Section 92.052(b))."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/texas-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In New York, the landlord implicitly warrants every rental unit fit for human habitation and free of hazardous conditions under Real Property Law Section 235-b, unless the tenant's own misconduct caused the problem; a lease can't waive this and the tenant's remedy is to sue for damages or rent abatement.",
   "exceptions": [
    "A condition caused by the misconduct of the tenant or persons under the tenant's direction or control does not breach the warranty (Section 235-b(1)).",
    "Any lease clause waiving or modifying the tenant's rights under Section 235-b is void as against public policy (Section 235-b(2))."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-york-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/235-B"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Florida, the landlord must comply with housing codes or keep structural components and plumbing in good repair under Florida Statutes Section 83.51(1), unless the tenant, family, or a guest caused the damage; if not fixed within 7 days of written notice, the tenant can terminate the lease under Section 83.56(1).",
   "exceptions": [
    "Landlord is not responsible for conditions created or caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of the tenant, a member of the tenant's family, or another person on the premises with the tenant's consent (Section 83.51(4))."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/florida-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/83.51"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Ohio, the landlord must comply with housing codes and keep rental units fit and habitable, including working plumbing, heat, hot water, and electrical/HVAC systems, under Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.04.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tenant-caused damage is generally excluded from a landlord's habitability duty under Ohio's broader landlord-tenant framework, though the specific carve-out language was not part of this cited provision."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/ohio-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.04"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "MI",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Michigan, every lease implies a covenant that the landlord will keep the premises fit and in reasonable repair under MCL Section 554.139, unless the disrepair was caused by the tenant's own willful or irresponsible conduct.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The implied covenant does not apply when the disrepair or health/safety-law violation was caused by the tenant's own willful or irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct (MCL Section 554.139)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/michigan-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-139"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Washington, the landlord has a statutory duty to keep the rental fit for human habitation at all times under RCW 59.18.060, except for conditions the tenant, their family, or a guest caused.",
   "exceptions": [
    "No duty devolves upon the landlord to repair a defective condition caused by the conduct of the tenant, their family, invitee, or other person acting under their control (RCW 59.18.060)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?Cite=59.18.060"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Arizona, the landlord must make all repairs needed to keep a rental fit and habitable, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems, under A.R.S. Section 33-1324, though a single-family-home tenant can agree in writing to take on specific repair tasks.",
   "exceptions": [
    "A single-family-home tenant may sign a separate written, adequately-supported agreement shifting specific repair/maintenance tasks to the tenant; the statute requires good faith and bars evading the core habitability duty."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/arizona-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://azleg.gov/ars/33/01324.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Rental Repair — Broken Heat",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Landlord, working heat is one of the most universally protected habitability items in the country.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tenant-caused damage to heating equipment",
    "Lease terms"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/landlord-responsible-broken-heat/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941.1."
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Rental Repair — No Hot Water",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Landlord, hot water is treated as a baseline health/safety item; Texas law even singles it out by name as an automatic repair trigger.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tenant-caused damage to the water heater/system",
    "Lease terms"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/landlord-responsible-no-hot-water/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Rental Repair — Water Heater",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Landlord, a working water heater is baked into the hot-water habitability duty almost everywhere; Texas law names the exact minimum temperature.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tenant-caused damage",
    "Ordinary end-of-life failure (10-year expected life per HUD) is the landlord's cost"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/landlord-responsible-water-heater/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Rental Repair — Broken Window",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Landlord, if the pane cracked from age or the building settling, tenant, if the window is actually broken (impact damage). HUD's own tenant-damage guidance draws exactly this line.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Impact/breakage damage caused by tenant or guest",
    "Age/settling-related cracking stays with the landlord"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/landlord-responsible-broken-window/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/hsg-06-01gapp5guid.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Rental Repair — Broken Locks / Security",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Landlord, several states legally mandate specific working security hardware and put installation, repair, and rekeying costs on the landlord by default.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Tenant-caused damage to locks/hardware",
    "State-by-state variation in what hardware is mandated"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/landlord-responsible-broken-locks/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nationwide",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Rental Repair — Clogged Drain",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Landlord, if it's aging pipes failing on their own, tenant, if the clog or toilet damage came from improper use. HUD's own wear-and-tear guidance draws this exact line.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Clog caused by tenant's improper use (flushing wrong items, grease, etc.)",
    "Aging-pipe failure stays with the landlord"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/landlord-responsible-clogged-drain/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/hsg-06-01gapp5guid.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tampa",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Tampa's Wastewater Collection Division maintains the sewer main from the property line to the street, easement, or alley; the property owner is responsible for the line from the property line to the house.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tampa-fl-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.tampa.gov/wastewater/programs/collections"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tampa",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Tampa Water Department owns the line up to the meter; the customer-owned portion, from the meter to the house, is the property owner's responsibility.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tampa-fl-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.tampa.gov/news/2024-11/water-department-makes-inventory-service-lines-available-online-159086"
  },
  {
   "city": "Cleveland",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Cleveland Water maintains the line from the water main to the curb stop; the customer is responsible for everything from the curb stop to the house.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/cleveland-oh-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.clevelandwater.com/customer-service/protect-your-home/home-tips"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tucson",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Pima County RWRD owns the public sewer main; the Tucson property owner owns and maintains the private sewer pipe all the way to its point of connection with the public sewer.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tucson-az-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.pima.gov/1816/Sewer-Connections"
  },
  {
   "city": "Virginia Beach",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Virginia Beach Public Utilities is responsible for the water service line from the main through the meter; the property owner is responsible from the meter to the dwelling.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-beach-va-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://virginiabeach.gov/connect/blog/no-lead-water-service-lines-found-in-virginia-beach-so-far"
  },
  {
   "city": "Indianapolis",
   "state": "IN",
   "issue": "Water Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Citizens Energy Group says Indianapolis customers own the full water service line, but Citizens pays for leaks within the right-of-way while the owner pays for leaks on their own property.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/indianapolis-in-water-service-line/",
   "primarySource": "https://info.citizensenergygroup.com/responsibilities/water-connection-faqs"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nashville",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Metro Water Services says the Nashville property owner owns and maintains the sewer service line from the building to the public sewer main.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nashville-tn-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-10/Brochure_sewer_line_policy_p2.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Street Tree / Parkway",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In Los Angeles the City owns and controls street/parkway trees and requires a permit for any work on one, but the abutting lot owner is responsible for sidewalk repair, including removing a root-damaging tree before the City will approve repair.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The sidewalk-repair-notice limitation does not apply where the Board has determined a tree on the lot caused the damage; the Board must first notify the owner requesting removal of the tree."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-street-tree-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-158010"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York City",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Street Tree / Parkway",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In New York City, Parks maintains all ~600,000 street trees, but the abutting owner generally pays for sidewalk repairs, except owner-occupied 1-3 family homes which get free tree-root sidewalk repair through Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Owner-occupied 1-, 2-, or 3-family homes (Tax Class 1) are eligible for Parks' Trees & Sidewalks program, which repairs sidewalks heaving due to tree-root conflicts at no cost."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-york-city-ny-street-tree-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/faq"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Street Tree / Parkway",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Chicago's Bureau of Forestry maintains all 500,000+ parkway trees; the abutting owner's only duty is watering required trees and routine parkway-lawn care, not general street-tree maintenance.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-24",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-il-street-tree-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/streets/provdrs/forestry.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Street Tree / Parkway",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Philadelphia Parks & Recreation plants, prunes, and removes every street tree, but the property owner must fix the sidewalk even when a City-maintained tree's roots caused the damage, with no exceptions.",
   "exceptions": [
    "There are no exceptions for sidewalk damage caused by tree roots."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-pa-street-tree-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation/street-tree-frequently-asked-questions/"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Street Tree / Parkway",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Diego's Park and Recreation Department controls all street trees and pays to remove or remedy one damaging a sidewalk once notified, though owners must trim their own frontage trees and get a permit for other work.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-street-tree-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter06/Ch06Art02Division06.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Portland",
   "state": "OR",
   "issue": "Street Tree / Parkway",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Portland puts full maintenance duty and cost for street/planting-strip trees on the adjacent property owner, including paying for curb or sidewalk repair caused by their tree.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/portland-or-street-tree-responsibility/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.portland.gov/code/11/60/060"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "ID",
   "issue": "HOA / Condo Common Elements",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Idaho's Condominium Property Act requires condominium bylaws to provide for maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements, while each unit owner has the exclusive right (and responsibility) to maintain and decorate the interior surfaces of the owner's own unit, Idaho Code §§55-1507(f), 55-1509(d).",
   "exceptions": [
    "The declaration/bylaws may reallocate"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/idaho-condo-who-pays-common-element-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title55/T55CH15/SECT55-1507/"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York City",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Pothole Damaged My Car",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "NYC only pays if DOT had prior written notice of that specific pothole at least 15 days before your incident, and you must file a Notice of Claim with the NYC Comptroller within 90 days.",
   "exceptions": [
    "No prior written notice to DOT means no liability regardless of how dangerous the pothole was",
    "Missing the 90-day Notice of Claim deadline permanently bars the claim"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-25",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nyc-pothole-car-damage-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/file-a-claim/"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York City",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Sewer Main Backup Into My Home",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "NYC DEP puts the property owner on the hook for the private sewer service line up to the City's main; if DEP confirms the backup originated in the City main, file a Water Damage Claim Form within 90 days.",
   "exceptions": [
    "If the backup originated in your own private lateral line, the City is not liable",
    "Missing the 90-day filing window bars the claim"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-25",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nyc-sewer-backup-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/sewer-backup.page"
  },
  {
   "city": "New York City",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Water Main Break Flooded My Home",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "NYC has a dedicated Water Damage Claim Form for water-main-break flooding; the Comptroller investigates City negligence, but the Notice of Claim must still be filed within 90 days regardless of outcome.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Filing after 90 days bars the claim even if the City was clearly at fault",
    "The Comptroller may still deny the claim if no negligence is found"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nyc-water-main-break-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/faqs/property-damage-claim-faqs/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Chicago",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Pothole Damaged My Car",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Chicago doesn't use small-claims court for pothole damage; the City Council reviews and settles claims by ordinance, with $2,500-or-less claims going to the City Clerk and larger ones to the Law Department.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Claims over $2,500 route to a different office (Law Department) than smaller ones (City Clerk)",
    "Missing the statutory limitations period bars the claim"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/chicago-pothole-car-damage-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.chicityclerk.com/claims"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Pothole Damaged My Car",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Houston's Legal Department says it will not reimburse pothole vehicle damage because Texas law shields cities from street-condition liability; sworn written notice within 90 days is still required to preserve any claim.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Texas law makes cities categorically not liable for pothole/street-condition damage, with no negligence pathway described",
    "Missing the 90-day Charter notice forecloses even a long-shot claim"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-25",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-pothole-car-damage-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.houstontx.gov/legal/fileclaim.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Sewer Main Backup Into My Home",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Houston's Legal Department says the City will not reimburse sewage cleanup or repair from a clogged sewer line, because under State law it is not liable for that damage. Any property damage claim against the City still needs a verified written notice within 90 days.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Missing the 90-day written notice can bar a claim"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-sewer-backup-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.houstontx.gov/legal/fileclaim.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Pothole Damaged My Car",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Arizona's Notice of Claim statute governs Phoenix: you must file with the City Clerk within 180 days with a specific settlement dollar amount, or the claim is permanently barred regardless of fault.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Missing the 180-day deadline bars the claim permanently, regardless of how clear the City's fault is",
    "A claim must state a specific settlement dollar amount or it may be rejected as noncompliant"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/phoenix-pothole-car-damage-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/financesite/documents/RISK/city%20of%20phoenix%20claim%20form%20(revised%206-7-21).pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Water Main Break Flooded My Home",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Philadelphia can be liable for a dangerous water-main condition it had notice of; the boundary is the ferrule, and everything from there into your house is your own responsibility.",
   "exceptions": [
    "No liability for the City without proof of notice of the dangerous main condition",
    "Damage from your own pipes past the ferrule is your responsibility, not the City's"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-water-main-break-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.085..HTM"
  },
  {
   "city": "Philadelphia",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Municipal Liability — Sewer Main Backup Into My Home",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Philadelphia is responsible for the public sewer main with notice of a dangerous condition, but you own and must maintain the lateral line connecting your house to that main.",
   "exceptions": [
    "No City liability without notice of a dangerous main condition",
    "Backups caused by your own lateral line are your responsibility, not the City's"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/philadelphia-sewer-backup-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.085..HTM"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Rental — Landlord Won't Repair (Remedies)",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In California, if the landlord won't fix a habitability problem after notice, the tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent (twice per year max) or vacate under Civil Code § 1942.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The repair-and-deduct/vacate remedy is capped at one month's rent and is unavailable more than twice in any 12-month period."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-tenant-remedy-landlord-wont-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1942."
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Rental — Landlord Won't Repair (Remedies)",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Texas, if the landlord fails to repair a health/safety condition within a reasonable time, the tenant may have it fixed and deduct the cost from rent, capped at one month's rent or $500 under Property Code § 92.0561.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The repair-and-deduct cost cap is one month's rent under the lease or $500, whichever is greater."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/texas-tenant-remedy-landlord-wont-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Rental — Landlord Won't Repair (Remedies)",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Florida, tenants can terminate the lease after 7 days' unremedied notice, or withhold rent after 20 days' notice if the unit is rendered wholly untenantable, under F.S. §§ 83.56 and 83.201.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The 20-day rent-withholding remedy under § 83.201 applies only where the failure renders the premises wholly untenantable."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-16",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/florida-tenant-remedy-landlord-wont-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.56"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Rental — Landlord Won't Repair (Remedies)",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Arizona, tenants can terminate the lease after an unremedied 10-day (or 5-day for health/safety) notice, or repair-and-deduct minor defects under $300/half-rent after 10 days' notice, under A.R.S. §§ 33-1361, 33-1363.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The self-help repair-and-deduct remedy under § 33-1363 is limited to minor defects costing less than $300 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/arizona-tenant-remedy-landlord-wont-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01361.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "Rental — Landlord Won't Repair (Remedies)",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In Virginia, tenants can terminate the lease after a 21-day unremedied notice, or go to court to have rent held in escrow, under Va. Code §§ 55.1-1234 and 55.1-1244.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-16",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-tenant-remedy-landlord-wont-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter13/section55.1-1234/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Rental — City Repair/Heat Ordinance",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Seattle's Housing and Building Maintenance Code sets citywide minimum heat and maintenance standards for every rental building, enforceable by the city.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/seattle-wa-rental-heat-ordinance/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.seattle.gov/construction-and-inspections/codes/codes-we-enforce-(a-z)/housing-and-building-maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "California landlords must itemize deposit deductions within 21 days and can't charge for ordinary wear and tear, only damage, under Civil Code §1950.5.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-16",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5."
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Texas landlords must refund deposits within 30 days and can't deduct for normal wear and tear, under Property Code §§92.103–92.104.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/texas-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "New York landlords must itemize and return deposits within 14 days or forfeit them, and can never deduct for ordinary wear and tear, under GOL §7-108.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-16",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/new-york-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/7-108"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Florida landlords must return deposits within 15 days (no claim) or send a claim notice within 30 days, giving the tenant 15 days to object, under Fla. Stat. §83.49(3).",
   "exceptions": [
    "Florida's statute does not use the phrase 'wear and tear', it limits deductions to a disputable claim for actual damages/unpaid rent rather than a blanket wear-vs-damage standard."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-16",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/florida-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/83.49"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "IL",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Illinois landlords must itemize deposit deductions within 30 days or refund in full within 45 days, and can't charge for normal wear and tear, under 765 ILCS 710/1.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/illinois-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=2202&ChapterID=62&Chapter=PROPERTY&MajorTopic=RIGHTS%20AND%20REMEDIES"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Ohio landlords must itemize deposit deductions and pay the balance within 30 days, and tenants are liable only for intentional/negligent damage, under R.C. §5321.16(B)/§5321.05(A)(6).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/ohio-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.16"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Washington landlords must document any deposit withheld within 30 days and can never deduct for ordinary wear, under RCW 59.18.280.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18.280"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Arizona landlords must itemize deductions within 14 business days; tenants are liable only for deliberate or negligent damage, under A.R.S. §§33-1321(D), 33-1341(6).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/arizona-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "NC",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "North Carolina limits deposit deductions to specific permitted uses like actual damage, and requires an itemized accounting within 30 days, under N.C.G.S. §§42-51, 42-52.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/north-carolina-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-51.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "PA",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Pennsylvania landlords must itemize damage claims within 30 days, or they forfeit the right to withhold any of the deposit or sue for damages (68 P.S. 250.512).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/pennsylvania-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1951/0/0020..HTM"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "MI",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Michigan landlords may only deduct for damage beyond normal-habitation conduct and must itemize claims within 30 days, under MCL §§554.607, 554.609.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/michigan-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-607"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Virginia landlords must itemize deductions within 45 days and figure damages less reasonable wear and tear, under Va. Code §55.1-1226.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1226/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "MA",
   "issue": "Security Deposit — Damage vs Wear",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Massachusetts landlords must give a sworn itemized damage list within 30 days or forfeit the deposit, and can't deduct for reasonable wear and tear, under M.G.L. c.186 §15B.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/massachusetts-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleI/Chapter186/Section15B"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "Rental — Mold",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Virginia has a dedicated mold statute: landlords must disclose visible mold at move-in and remediate promptly, and keep preventing moisture/mold throughout the tenancy, under Va. Code §§55.1-1215 and 55.1-1220.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-rental-mold-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1215/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Rental — Bedbugs/Pests",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "California bars leasing a unit with a known bed bug infestation and requires written notice of pest-control findings within 2 business days, under Civil Code §§1954.602, 1954.605.",
   "exceptions": [
    "The law creates no duty on the landlord to inspect for bed bugs absent notice of a suspected or actual infestation."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-rental-bedbugs-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1954.602."
  },
  {
   "city": "Fort Worth",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Sewer Lateral",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Fort Worth's sewer ordinance puts the city in charge of the sewer connection from the main to the property line, while owners must verify their building sewer lateral's grade before the city taps it in.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-26",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fort-worth-tx-sewer-lateral/",
   "primarySource": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-31895"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "LA",
   "issue": "Rental / Landlord-Tenant Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "Louisiana's Civil Code requires the lessor to make necessary repairs and warrants the property free of defects, though a lease can reallocate this duty.",
   "exceptions": [
    "These default duties can be waived or reallocated by specific lease language, so the actual lease terms control more here than in URLTA states."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-19",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/louisiana-landlord-tenant-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109753"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Sewer/Drain Backup",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Many homeowners policies do not cover sewer or drain backup; a sewer backup rider, about $50 a year per the Insurance Information Institute, adds it.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Coverage is available from most insurers as an optional rider for a nominal cost."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-sewer-backup/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.iii.org/article/protect-your-house-from-sewer-backups"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Foundation Problems",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Standard homeowners insurance excludes earth movement like landslides and earthquakes, so foundation damage from those causes is not covered.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-foundation-problems/",
   "primarySource": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231129032449id_/https://www.iii.org/article/insurance-for-landslides-and-mudflow/spotlight-on-flood-insurance"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Roof Damage",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Homeowners insurance covers roof damage from storms like wind or hail, but not damage from age or wear, and older roofs face added scrutiny.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Insurers may require an inspection or decline new policies for homes with roofs over 20 years old."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-roof-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.iii.org/article/how-your-roof-influences-your-home-and-business-insurance"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Tree Falling on House",
   "responsibleParty": "insurer",
   "headline": "If a tree falls on your house, your own homeowners policy covers the damage, no matter who owned the tree.",
   "exceptions": [
    "If the tree lands in the yard without hitting an insured structure, debris removal is generally not covered."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-tree-falling-on-house/",
   "primarySource": "https://web.archive.org/web/20241219023107/https://www.iii.org/article/if-a-tree-falls-on-your-house-are-you-covered"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Flood Damage",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You need a separate flood policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and renters can buy one too.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-flood-damage/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.iii.org/article/do-i-need-flood-insurance-for-my-home"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Renters Insurance and Building Fire/Flood",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Your landlord's insurance never covers your belongings, only your own renters policy does, and only for the perils it lists, excluding flood.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Flood is not covered by standard renters insurance and requires a separate flood policy."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-renters-insurance-cover-building-fire-flood/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.iii.org/article/renters-insurance"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Insurance Coverage — Renters Insurance and Theft",
   "responsibleParty": "insurer",
   "headline": "Standard renters insurance covers theft of your belongings, but high-value items like jewelry are capped unless you add a floater.",
   "exceptions": [
    "High-value items like jewelry are capped at sublimits (typically around $1,500) unless a floater/endorsement is purchased."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-renters-insurance-cover-theft/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.iii.org/article/renters-insurance"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Well / Septic — Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "The property owner (or HOA/responsible management entity) is responsible for septic system repairs and replacement, per EPA, the duty to fix a failed system applies even if a planned sale falls through.",
   "exceptions": [
    "If a system fails inspection and the owner cancels a sale, the owner is still obligated to repair it (MA DEP)."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/who-pays-septic-system-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.epa.gov/septic/why-maintain-your-septic-system"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Well / Septic — Routine Maintenance",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Routine septic inspection and pumping cost falls on the home/property owner, per EPA, renters are on the hook only for proper use, not the pump-out bill.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/who-pays-septic-pumping-maintenance/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.epa.gov/septic/resolving-septic-system-malfunctions"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "MA",
   "issue": "Well / Septic — Point-of-Sale Inspection",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Massachusetts law makes the property owner/operator responsible for arranging the mandatory pre-sale septic inspection by default, though buyer and seller can reassign this in writing.",
   "exceptions": [
    "If weather prevents inspection at the time of sale, it must occur within 6 months afterward."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/septic-inspection-at-sale-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.mass.gov/guides/buying-or-selling-property-with-a-septic-system"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Florida gives builders a mandatory 60-day notice-and-repair window before a defect suit, but bars any claim 7 years after the certificate of occupancy or completion, discovery aside.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/florida-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "California's Right to Repair Act ties builder liability to a specific list of construction standards and a mandatory repair opportunity, with claims barred 10 years after substantial completion.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=896"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Arizona's Purchaser Dwelling Act requires pre-suit notice to the builder, and bars construction-defect claims 8 years after substantial completion.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/arizona-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00552.htm"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Colorado's CDARA requires 75 days' notice to the builder before suing, and bars claims 6 years after substantial completion (up to 8 years for late-arising defects).",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/colorado-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-13/article-80/section-13-80-104/"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Washington requires 45 days' notice to the builder before a construction-defect suit, and bars claims 6 years after substantial completion.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.16.310"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "NV",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Nevada's Chapter 40 holds the contractor liable for defects from its own or subcontractors' work, via a mandatory pre-suit notice process, with a 10-year statute of repose.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/nevada-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-011.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "SC",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "South Carolina's Right to Cure Act requires pre-suit notice to the contractor (courts will stay non-compliant suits), and bars claims 8 years after substantial completion.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/south-carolina-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c003.php"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "VA",
   "issue": "New Construction — Builder Defect Warranty",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "Virginia statutorily warrants new homes against structural defects and poor workmanship, but the claim is barred just 5 years after construction services were furnished, one of the shortest windows surveyed.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/virginia-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/",
   "primarySource": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/55.1-357/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) picks up bulky items curbside for free and unlimited, by appointment (1 business day notice), but won't take construction materials, automotive waste, chemicals, commercial appliances, or cardboard.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Automotive parts or used oil",
    "Construction materials (concrete, bricks, dirt)",
    "Commercial appliances",
    "Paints, solvents, or chemicals",
    "Medicines or needles",
    "Fluorescent lights",
    "Cardboard"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-los-angeles-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/schedule-bulky-item-pickup"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Houston Solid Waste Management collects \"Heavy Trash\" (bulk & tree waste) at the curb every other month (up to 6x/year) for eligible addresses, but does not collect contractor-generated construction debris and requires a certified technician's tag before taking refrigerant-containing refrigerators/freezers.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Contractor debris (not collected)",
    "Refrigerators/freezers require certified technician's tag showing refrigerant removed"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-houston-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/heavytrash.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "Phoenix",
   "state": "AZ",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Phoenix Public Works collects bulk trash curbside by appointment only, capped at four appointments per household per year, and excludes household hazardous waste and large refrigerant-containing appliances (freezers, refrigerators, A/C units) from the pile.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Household hazardous waste",
    "Large appliances using refrigerants (freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners)"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-phoenix-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/publicworks/residential-trash-recycling/bulk-trash-pickup.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Antonio",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Antonio Solid Waste Management provides curbside brush & bulky item collection twice a year; an out-of-cycle/additional collection is available but the resident pays a fee based on pile size.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Out-of-cycle/additional collection requires a fee based on pile size"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-san-antonio-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SWMD/Brush-Bulky/Curbside"
  },
  {
   "city": "Dallas",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Dallas Sanitation gives residential customers monthly curbside brush & bulky item collection (up to 10 cubic yards) as part of the standard service, but excludes electronics, roofing materials/shingles, paints/chemicals, refrigerant-containing appliances, and dirt/soil/sod.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Dirt, soil, or sod",
    "Electronics",
    "Roofing materials or shingles",
    "Paints or chemicals",
    "Refrigerant-containing appliances"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-dallas-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sanitation/Pages/brush_and_bulky.aspx"
  },
  {
   "city": "Austin",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) provides curbside brush/bulk collection up to three times a year (by on-demand scheduling) for single-family homes and buildings of four units or fewer; properties with five or more units must use a private hauler.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Multifamily properties with five or more units must use a private hauler"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-austin-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.austintexas.gov/resource-recovery/programs/residential-services"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Jose",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "San José provides no-cost curbside \"Junk Pickup\" by 311 appointment (up to 12 items per request, same day as your regular collection), and excludes glass, mirrors, construction debris, hazardous waste, and bed-bug-infested items.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Glass",
    "Mirrors",
    "Construction debris",
    "Hazardous waste",
    "Items with bed bugs"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-13",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-san-jose-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup"
  },
  {
   "city": "Jacksonville",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Jacksonville's Solid Waste Division collects household bulk items (furniture, mattresses, bundled fencing/carpet/wood) curbside on your normal collection schedule as part of the residential solid waste fee, while tires and appliances must be scheduled separately and hazardous waste is barred from the bulk stream.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Hazardous waste of any kind is unlawful in residential collection waste streams",
    "Tires and appliances require separate scheduling"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-27",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-jacksonville-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.coj.net/departments/office-of-administrative-services/solid-waste/household-bulk-collection"
  },
  {
   "city": "Columbus",
   "state": "OH",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Columbus picks up bulk items (furniture, carpet, mattresses, non-refrigerant appliances) for free, but only after a resident schedules a specific date through 311; refrigerated appliances, tires, auto parts, hazardous materials, and building/excavating debris are excluded.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Hazardous, flammable or explosive materials",
    "Auto parts and tires",
    "Excavating and building materials",
    "Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, water coolers, air conditioners)",
    "Furnaces, pianos, spas, hot tubs, pool tables"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-columbus-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Trash-Recycling-Bulk-Collection/Bulk-Collection"
  },
  {
   "city": "Seattle",
   "state": "WA",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Seattle Public Utilities collects large furniture, appliances, and TVs only through its paid, on-demand \"Special Item Pickup\" ($31 per item, capped at 300 lbs/8 ft/4 ft diameter), not on a free scheduled bulk day; construction debris is handled by a separate program.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Items cannot exceed 300 lbs, 8 feet in height, or 4 feet in diameter",
    "Construction debris handled by a separate program"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-20",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-seattle-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/recycling/special-item-pickup"
  },
  {
   "city": "Denver",
   "state": "CO",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Denver Solid Waste Management collects large/bulky items curbside for free every nine weeks on residents' regular collection day, capped at 5 large items plus 10 bags per address, and excludes electronics, appliances, construction/automotive materials, and hazardous waste.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Electronic waste",
    "Construction materials (concrete, bricks, fencing, pallets)",
    "Automotive materials",
    "Unbundled branches, stumps, dirt, sod",
    "Commercial/industrial waste",
    "Hazardous materials (paint, batteries, tires)",
    "Appliances",
    "Loose trash"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-denver-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.denvergov.org/My-Property/Recycle-Compost-Trash/Large-Item-Pickup"
  },
  {
   "city": "Nashville",
   "state": "TN",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Metro Nashville's curbside \"Bulk Item Removal\", run by the Davidson County Sheriff's Office rather than Public Works, is free and on-request, with pickup completed within about seven business days of scheduling; it excludes tires, motor oil, hazardous chemicals, glass, and eviction-related debris.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Motor oil",
    "Tires",
    "Household/hazardous chemicals/materials",
    "Glass or mirrored items",
    "Sheet rock/drywall",
    "Roofing",
    "Propane/gas tanks",
    "Batteries"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-nashville-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://sheriff.nashville.gov/bulk-item-removal/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Portland",
   "state": "OR",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Portland has no city bulk-trash crew, residents' privately franchised garbage company picks up oversized items curbside only when called ahead and paid, at rates the City regulates; renters must go through their landlord, and hazardous waste goes to a Metro transfer station instead.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Renters must request pickup through their landlord (the garbage service account holder)",
    "Hazardous waste goes to a Metro transfer station, not curbside pickup"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-portland-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/home-recycling/bulky-waste-disposal"
  },
  {
   "city": "Baltimore",
   "state": "MD",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "Baltimore DPW collects up to 3 bulk items per household for free once a month on a scheduled Saturday (call 311 at least 4 working days ahead); building materials, auto parts, paint/stain, and flammable/hazardous waste are not accepted.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Building materials such as sheetrock, siding, wood pieces, or roofing",
    "Auto parts and pieces",
    "Paint or stain",
    "Flammable or hazardous waste"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-baltimore-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.baltimorecity.gov/publicworks/trash-recycling/bulk-trash-pickup-and-large-item-removal"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fort Worth",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Bulk Trash / Junk Removal",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "City (via Waste Management contract) provides FREE monthly curbside bulk waste collection, up to 10 cubic yards per household; excludes auto parts/batteries/tires, contractor demo debris, electronics, and appliances containing coolant.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Automobile parts, batteries, or tires",
    "Contractor remodeling and demolition debris (shingles, wallboard, lumber)",
    "Electronic equipment such as computers",
    "Household appliances containing coolant, gasoline, or other chemicals"
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-21",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/does-fort-worth-pick-up-bulk-trash/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/environmental-services/solidwaste/bulk"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Electric Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "owner",
   "headline": "Southern California Edison treats a damaged meter panel, service conductors, or mast as the property owner's responsibility to repair via a licensed electrician before service is restored.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-25",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/sce-electric-service-line-who-is-responsible/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sce.com/customer-service-center/help-center/outages/general/red-tag"
  },
  {
   "city": "Statewide",
   "state": "NY",
   "issue": "Electric Service Line",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Con Edison owns the service wire from the street to the home and the meter; the property owner owns the service bracket, weatherhead, entrance cable, and meter pan.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-25",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/con-edison-electric-service-line-who-is-responsible/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.coned.com/en/services-and-outages/preventing-recovering-from-outages/repairs-after-outages/what-we-are-responsible-for-repairing-after-outages"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Flood Insurance: Waiting Period",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "A new federal flood policy usually starts 30 days after you buy it, so buy well before a storm arrives.",
   "exceptions": [
    "No wait if you buy flood insurance while making, increasing, extending or renewing a mortgage.",
    "No wait if you change your flood insurance coverage while renewing your policy.",
    "A one-day wait if your property is in a newly-designated high-risk flood zone and you buy a policy within 12 months of the update."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-29",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/national-flood-insurance-30-day-waiting-period/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.floodsmart.gov/get-insured/buy-a-policy"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Yes: Los Angeles fire stations hand out free ready-to-fill sandbags, up to 25 per household, but the department does not fill, deliver, install or remove them.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://lafd.org/news/lafd-provides-sandbags-homeowners"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Diego makes empty sandbags available at recreation centers, up to 10 per household or business; sand is not provided.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sandiego.gov/storm-preparedness"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Francisco",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "San Francisco Public Works gives residents and businesses up to 10 free sandbags before and during severe storms; bring proof of address.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-francisco-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sfpublicworks.org/services/sandbags"
  },
  {
   "city": "Oakland",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "When heavy rain is forecast, Oakland Public Works provides up to 10 sandbags and plastic sheeting to residents while supplies last.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/oakland-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.oaklandca.gov/My-Household/Make-Your-Home-More-Energy-Efficient/Prepping-Your-Home-in-Extreme-Weather"
  },
  {
   "city": "Long Beach",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Long Beach residents can get sand and up to 10 sandbags by showing ID; bring your own shovel.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/long-beach-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://longbeach.gov/pages/city-news/do-you-need-sandbags/"
  },
  {
   "city": "Sacramento County",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "In unincorporated Sacramento County the county supplies sand and bags, 20 per visit; bring a shovel.",
   "exceptions": [
    "This record covers unincorporated Sacramento County only; City of Sacramento residents need the city public works answer."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/sacramento-county-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://waterresources.saccounty.gov/content/dwr/us/en/stormready/sandbags.html"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Jose",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "third-party",
   "headline": "San Jose residents can get free-filled sandbags through Valley Water, with a listed site at the City Central Service Yard, November 1 to April 15.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Valley Water says sandbag sites and sandbags are only available from November 1 through April 15 of each year."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-jose-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags"
  },
  {
   "city": "Fresno",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Fresno County gives County residents empty sandbags free at road yards; you bring the shovel and fill them yourself.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Auberry: Area-11 33148 Auberry Road is open only 7:00am-3:00pm."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/fresno-ca-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Public-Works-and-Planning/divisions-of-public-works-and-planning/road-maintenance-and-operations-division/sandbags-for-flood-prevention"
  },
  {
   "city": "Tampa",
   "state": "FL",
   "issue": "Storm Season: Free Sandbags",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Tampa gives each property owner ten sandbags per storm event, but only after an emergency declaration; bring proof of city residence.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Sandbags are only available after an emergency declaration has been made."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/tampa-fl-free-sandbags/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.tampa.gov/tss-stormwater/info/flood/sandbag_policy"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Francisco",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Drains: Street Flooding",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "The city clears San Francisco catch basins; call 311 for an overflowing one and keep your sidewalk free of leaves.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-francisco-ca-catch-basin-storm-drain-flooding/",
   "primarySource": "https://sfpublicworks.org/services/overflowing-catchbasins"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Drains: Street Flooding",
   "responsibleParty": "city",
   "headline": "The city cleans Los Angeles catch basins, and LA Sanitation asks residents to report clogged ones.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-catch-basin-storm-drain-flooding/",
   "primarySource": "https://sanitation.lacity.gov/programs/wet-weather-preparedness"
  },
  {
   "city": "Houston",
   "state": "TX",
   "issue": "Storm Drains: Ditches and Culverts",
   "responsibleParty": "shared",
   "headline": "Houston maintains storm sewers and ditches, but you must keep the ditch in front of your property clear and replace a damaged driveway culvert.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-tx-roadside-ditch-storm-sewer-maintenance/",
   "primarySource": "https://houstonpublicworks.org/stormwater-maintenance"
  },
  {
   "city": "California",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Mudslide and Debris Flow: Who Pays",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "Standard California homeowner policies generally exclude mudslide and debris flow damage and the NFIP does not cover landslide damage; a wildfire cause may change that.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Under \"efficient proximate cause\", if a wildfire (a covered peril) was the efficient proximate cause of the mudflow, mudslide, debris flow or landslide, there may be coverage under the homeowner policy."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-mudslide-debris-flow-who-pays/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/upload/CDI-Consumer-Fact-Sheet-on-Insurance-Coverage-for-Flood-Mudflow-etc-2-4-2025.pdf"
  },
  {
   "city": "Los Angeles",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Claim Against the City: Deadline",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "To claim storm or sewer damage against the City of Los Angeles, file within six months for personal property or one year for real property.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Any other claim, including claims for damages to real property, must be filed no later than one year after the occurrence."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/los-angeles-ca-city-claim-storm-sewer-damage-deadline/",
   "primarySource": "https://cityattorney.lacity.gov/claims"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Diego",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Claim Against the City: Sewer Backup and Flooding",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "San Diego accepts claims for sewer main back-ups and flooding; most must be presented within six months of the incident.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Government Code 911.2 sets one year for a claim other than death, injury to person, or injury to personal property or growing crops."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-diego-ca-city-claim-sewer-backup-flooding/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sandiego.gov/riskmanagement/services/liability"
  },
  {
   "city": "San Francisco",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Claim Against the City: Deadline",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "To claim storm damage against San Francisco, file within 6 months for personal property or 1 year for real property.",
   "exceptions": [],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/san-francisco-ca-city-claim-property-damage-deadline/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sfcityattorney.org/claims/"
  },
  {
   "city": "California",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Renter Storm Damage: Roof Leak Repair",
   "responsibleParty": "landlord",
   "headline": "In California a rental that substantially lacks a weatherproof roof and exterior walls is untenantable, and the landlord must repair it.",
   "exceptions": [
    "Civil Code 1941 applies in the absence of an agreement to the contrary."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-renter-storm-roof-leak-landlord-repair/",
   "primarySource": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1941.1."
  },
  {
   "city": "California",
   "state": "CA",
   "issue": "Storm Power Outage: Food Spoilage",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "California utilities say storm-caused outages are generally outside their responsibility; a homeowners policy may cover up to $500 of spoiled food.",
   "exceptions": [
    "PG&E says food spoilage and similar claims are paid only if submitted and resolved within one year from the date of the incident."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/california-storm-power-outage-food-spoilage-claim/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.sce.com/customer-service-center/help-center/request-support/claims"
  },
  {
   "city": "General",
   "state": "US",
   "issue": "Disaster Assistance: FEMA Individuals and Households Program",
   "responsibleParty": "depends",
   "headline": "FEMA can help homeowners and renters with uninsured storm losses, but it is not a substitute for insurance.",
   "exceptions": [
    "For Home Repair or Replacement Assistance, FEMA also needs to confirm you owned the residence at the time of the disaster."
   ],
   "lastVerified": "2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/national-fema-individual-assistance-homeowners-renters/",
   "primarySource": "https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program"
  }
 ]
}