LAS VEGAS, NV – Many landlords assume a home warranty will save money when maintenance issues arise. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Below is a real-world example that highlights how a traditional home warranty can actually increase costs and extend repair timelines.
A Real Example: Kitchen Sink Clog That Escalated
A tenant recently submitted a work order for a clogged kitchen sink. Our maintenance department submitted the claim to the home warranty company, and the landlord paid the standard $95 service call fee.
The home warranty selected a licensed plumber, who scheduled an appointment with the tenant. After assessing the issue, the plumber advised they could not clear the clog and requested an additional $300 to jet the line.
Once jetting began, a neighboring homeowner reported a backup in their unit. The plumber stopped work and later advised our maintenance department that the main line had collapsed, the HOA was aware of the issue, and until it was repaired, the kitchen sink could not be fixed. When asked why only the kitchen sink was affected if the main line had collapsed, the plumber was unable to provide a clear explanation.
HOA Involvement and Tenant Impact
Our maintenance department contacted the HOA, who confirmed they were aware of a main line issue and scheduled repairs for the following week. By this point, the tenant had been without use of their kitchen sink for two weeks.
We advised the tenant of their options:
• Release from the lease, or
• A rent credit
The tenant chose to stay in the home and accepted a $350 rent credit.
Conflicting Diagnoses and Additional Costs
After the HOA completed their repair, the tenant asked the HOA plumber why the work did not resolve the clogged sink. The plumber indicated that there may be a collapsed line beneath our client’s unit that would require additional repairs.
Our preferred licensed plumber reviewed the situation and advised that this diagnosis did not make sense, if a line were to collapse, all plumbing would be affected, not just the kitchen sink. He recommended inspecting the line with a camera.
The landlord authorized an additional $200 for this inspection. Once on site, our plumber determined a camera was unnecessary and instead snaked the correct clean-out line under the kitchen sink, clearing the clog within minutes. The issue was resolved immediately.
It became clear the original plumber sent by the home warranty had been working on an unrelated exterior line and was unfamiliar with the unit’s plumbing configuration.
The Final Cost Comparison
Total cost using a traditional home warranty:
- 3 Weeks to Repair
- $95 service call
- $300 jetting fee
- $250 plumbing repair
- $350 rent credit
- Total: $995
Total: $995
If Achosa Home Warranty had been used:
- Preferred licensed contractor
- Issue resolved within 24 hours
- Total cost: $125
The Takeaway
Home warranties can be helpful, but they can also be costly, especially when they require the use of unvetted contractors and limit oversight of the repair process.
For landlords who choose to maintain a home warranty, Shelter Realty Property Management strongly recommends Achosa Home Warranty, as they allow the use of your contractor of choice, ensuring faster resolutions, better workmanship, and lower overall costs.
If you have questions about this situation or would like to learn more about our property management services, please contact Shelter Realty Property Management at 702.376.7379.











