"CPreksta" wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks for all the input.

There are four seperate meters in the basement. To access the basement
you have to go through one of the apartments (not mine) which is why
the landlord, nor anyone else, didn't find out about the water heater
for some time.

In a situation like that, he can not say you were negligent. I would thing
he'd try to work out something with you. but, OTOH, some landlords are less
than caring. Good luck.