Bathroom Leak

[willow74]

Today i had a very unfortunate bathroom leak resulting in floods of hot water streaming through my flat. It happened out of the blue at 04.30am so only realised about 15mins later when heard it trickling. The water was about an inch thick and subsequently has leaked through to downstairs ceiling. It has dripped through to them and obviously caused slighty damage. I rent my property from the local authority and stupidly do not have contents insurance. (although learnt my lesson and will today). I have flooring which is okay and not soiled too much but worried about if i am liable for the neighbours claim. It is a new property and the plumber could not see any accidential damage called by me. Looks like the bath washers were not fitted correctly.

[Sylday]

I live in a leased flat in a privately owned block, and when this sort of leak happens (and it is not uncommon) we don't claim on our own contents policies, but on the buildings policy for the whole block, which is looked after by our landlords. Possibly, a similar arrangement applies to you, and the local authority has an insurance policy which will cover any damage to your neighbour's ceiling. Why don't you consult them about it?

[undercovers]

not your fault not your concern, the local authority will deal with it for you - give them the plumbers bill as well

[Ralph]

I got a letter yesterday from Southern Water telling me that as the home-owner, I was responsible for the repair of the plumbing (or something like that, trying to sell me something). Since I rent, I threw it in the bin. I'm thinking the upkeep of all that sort of stuff is the responsibility of your landlord and as such any neighbours claim should be on them. Perhaps you could claim also. Maybe your landlord could say it was fair wear and tear (which I think is your responsibility) but a catastrophic failure of a couple of washers in the middle of the night has to be more than wear and tear! Also if they fitted them wrong, I'd say case closed. Talk to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

[willow74]

Thanks ever so much for your advice Feel a little cheerier now

[BenDToy]

I think even if you are liable for the neighbour's claim (which I am sure you aren't) it would be on a building policy, not contents.