Damage To Flat Below

[Texman]

I was planning to retire shortly from my warehouse job and I moved into some shared accommodation, which was just meant as a temporary move before I move into a single flat when it comes available. Not long after moving into the shared accommodation I accidentally caused some water damage which then leaked into a room in the flat below.

Some students are sharing below and the water leak I caused damaged some of their property. One student had her MacBook damaged beyond repair as well as some of her furniture. It also damaged an iPad and an electronic keyboard belonging to the other student. She also had some clothes that were ruined. They also had to temporarily move out while the damage to the flat was repaired.

I had tenants insurance but had not relalised it was not valid for shared accommodation and my claim for the damage was denied. The students below had no insurance at all. I do accept that it was my negligence that caused the damage, but the students asked for £5000 for their damaged property, the damage put together could total up to be expensive but I think £5000 may be a bit excessive. They say they have receipts to back it up and will be suing me in the small claims court for the full amount.

If I have to pay for all of this, it could well mess up my retirement plan. I know the students would need to show evidence of their damage, but even if they can, I wondered as they were uninsured, should they be suing me?

[ladybirder]

Puts me in mind of this one. What say you Baldric?
We never did find out what happened.
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1577081.html

[Texman]

It seems to have gone on like this as I’ve tried to reply to everyone who has answered, my responses have then tended to prompt further reply’s and really just out of courtesy I have responded back.

I thank and appreciate everyone who has responded, but I’ll sign off for now. If you like to see updates and hear outcomes I can post again when I know some more.

[gness]

I hope you do, Texman...it has been interesting to follow all the advice you've been given and I hope all goes well enough for you to retire happily...x

[Texman]

I'll keep this update very short and sweet, it's now been sorted: no court action, £3500 paid upfront, deal done!

[hc4361]

Glad it's all sorted and hope your retirement plans aren't too compromised.

[Texman]

It's put my retirement on hold just for a little bit hc4361, but I'm still ok with that, thanks.