Water Damage In Apartments — Who Is Responsible?

Apartment living has several advantages over traditional homes. In the event of a water outage or heater malfunction, renters can usually submit a maintenance request by filing a work order or calling their landlord’s office. In such cases, the landlord or property owner is responsible for scheduling repair services and paying the bill. But responsibility may not always fall on the property owners. Residential water damage, for instance, could result from several factors, including natural disasters, poor construction, and even the tenant’s negligence. To set the record straight, our Gainesville, FL, restoration experts with the Maven Construction Group explain how to determine the party at fault for water damage in an apartment.

The Tenant

When water damage results from negligence on the part of a tenant, they can be held fully liable for repair costs at the discretion of the property manager or landlord. For example, if a tenant repeatedly fails to report a clogged toilet that is now flooded, their landlord may refuse to pay for repairs and hold the renter financially responsible. Determining the cause of water damage requires expertise. A professional water damage inspection is needed to more accurately identify the source of a water leak and determine the party at fault. In any case, the rental agreement should outline in detail the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord in the event of property damage.

Property Manager Or Landlord

Under Florida law, landlords are responsible for providing renters with habitable living spaces. The specifics on what constitutes a habitable environment may not always be so clear but are usually outlined in every rental agreement. Nonetheless, an apartment without water or heat during the winter undoubtedly counts as an inhabitable environment, so the landlord must bear the responsibility of scheduling repairs and pay for the bill. When it comes to water damage restoration, a landlord is responsible for any problems that could make the apartment harmful to live in, such as leaking pipes and improperly functioning plumbing.

The Neighbors

Water leaks originating from neighboring apartments can result in water damage to surrounding residences. For example, a malfunctioning refrigerator or a running faucet in the apartment upstairs could introduce water into your living space, especially within older and outdated structures. In such cases, responsibility for structural damages would fall on the neighbor, their landlord, and renter’s insurance. Any damages to your personal belongings should still be covered by most renter’s insurance policies even when the neighbor is at fault.

Restoration Specialists In Gainesville, FL

In the event you are responsible for remediating water damage in an apartment, choose a water damage restoration company you can trust. Maven Construction Group is a licensed general contractor with decades of experience in residential water damage. To help you trace the source of a water leak, contact us today to request a water damage estimate. We will survey your home and neighboring areas for any signs of damage and recommend only the services you need.