Hardly a week goes by without one flat leaking into another, with the reply “ my floor isn’t wet, it’s not me”
While the source can come from common supplies or higher properties or externally via common ducting, the flat above is the first place to start. In most cases it’s a seal or joint to a bath, shower, or floor/wall joint on tiles as many bathrooms/kitchens aren’t tanked wet rooms, or otherwise as low leak from a pipe.
Most building instances cover trace and access and it is the primary responsibility of the flat owner above to take a look, as the most likely cause is items which they are responsible for,
though higher service level agents may assist. The flat owner should agree with the freeholder or agent about costs should the problem be from another source.
These leaks cause considerable disruption and can lead to significant increases in the insurance premium and excess on water damage.
As all these claims do carry an excess, who pays this is determined by the cause, the scope of the policy and the wording of the lease and whether there is actual fault by the owner, that can be proven.
Flat owners are therefore advised to
-maintain a comprehensive contents policy for water damage as building insurance rarely covers this
-ensure that they know where the shut off valve for the flat is and that it works
-ensure a landlord or agent has an emergency contact for you
-when refurbishing consider a waterproof membrane or treatment to prevent leaks and fitting inexpensive alarms under baths and kitchen units
-check washing machine or dishwasher connections which work loose over time
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