Water Damage in Apartment Complex (tenants, evict, renter's insurance, carpet)
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Last night I was going to take a bath and I turned the water on and went into the bedroom laid on my bed waiting for the tub to fill up and I fell asleep. Long story short the water ran for three hours before maintenance came in my apartment and woke me up and turned the water off.
I live on the third floor and the water went through the floor and there was damage to the two apartments below me. The apartment complex said I was responsible for the damages to the two apartments below me. There could be thousands of dollars in water damage. I don't have renters insurance. Is there anything I can do?
I'm sorry to say you're 100% liable for both the property damage as well as any damage to the personal belongings to your neighbors. Nothing you can do. Hopefully you have an understanding management that will work out a payment plan with you and understanding neighbors who won't immediately take you to court. Good luck!
Probably the complex has insurance that will pay the damages, maybe not the other tenants, but to the building. Thier insurance company will come after you for the cost of repairs. As for the other tenants, they can file suit to recover thier costs. If you have no assets, then it is mute that they will collect from you, but you will be liable all the same.
This is a perfect reason everyone should have renter's insurance.
Probably the complex has insurance that will pay the damages, maybe not the other tenants, but to the building. Thier insurance company will come after you for the cost of repairs. As for the other tenants, they can file suit to recover thier costs. If you have no assets, then it is mute that they will collect from you, but you will be liable all the same.
This is a perfect reason everyone should have renter's insurance.
There was no damage to other tenants property. Just water damage to the ceilings and they had to call people to come extract the water at 4:00am. So it looks like the cost will come from repainting, extracting the water and carpet cleanings. I'm wondering if they can evict me. This really blows, I've lived in this apartment for eight years.
The can evict you if you don't pay when they send you a bill. Whether or not they will is a different story. If you've been there 8 years, I would like to think they will work with you and help you out with a reasonable payment plan. You just never know though. I hope you go out this week and get renter's insurance!
cant get any more liable than that... my son recently had a pipe break under the sink in their co-op , it flooded 2 apartments below.... his insurance company paid to repair his damage but they said since it was not something he was negligent about like overflowing the tub he was not responsible for anyone elses damage.
everyone had to pay for their own repairs in that case. but boy you cant get anymore negligent then falling asleep and over flowing the tub.....in fact that was the example they gave for totaly at fault
guess you will be working for a while to re-do a few apartments
Find out why the overflow valve in the tub wasn't working. Maybe you can mitigate your liability a little bit, though you're still responsible for the majority of them I'd say.
But, I'm afraid you are pretty much responsible for any damages, plus if the tenants below you are put out of their places during the repairs, you'd be liable to pay their hotel bills I think.
Well, it's day 4 after this little mess. Here's what has happened.
I’ve spoke with the property manager of the apartment complex. She seems to be very laid back about the situation and told me I wouldn’t be evicted. However, I would be responsible for the damages. She told me the cost shouldn’t be anymore than $200.00 to $300.00 max.
The problem is the smell is starting to get really bad. Does anyone know how long the smell will last? Also, should myself and my neighbors be concerned with mold?
That's good news, but I'm concerned. You shouldn't be smelling anything though if things were properly dried. Did they cut out the drywall to place fans in the walls? Did they pull back the carpet and place fans to dry the pad? Did they spary with a fungicide to prevent mold growth? It sounds to me iif it's only a couple hundred dollars that they aren't taking care of the proiblem appropriately, especially if you can still smell things. Water damage of that magnitude should really be taken care of by a professional restoration company, not maintenance. Did they bring anyone in?
You should absolutely worry about mold. It's serious business. Stay on top of it. Good luck!
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