What can i do about this?

Question

Last night my nieghbors were knocking on my door telling me my garage was pouring water from the top. So i go and look and it was it looked like a waterfall. My neighbors who are renting the apt above my garage.(that apt is owned by someone else) were pretty much telling me that it was their water heater leaking and when they shut it off it stopped leaking. they said well all is good now right? and i don't think it is they don't want me to tell the owner of their apt that he neds to pay for the damage of my garage. I don't see any right now but mold could grow or my garage ceiling could be weak and fall. SO what would be the best thing to do i am a new home owner so i am not sure on the best way to handle something like this.

The neighbors did offer to "patch any holes" if there was any. They also said they don't think any mold will grow because it was "clean water". They explained that if i were to call their landlord and he has to pay the damages then he will either raise their rent or kick them out.

Answer 1

You should let the owner know that you will have the affected area checked out and speak with him/her about any repairs that need to be done. This will be covered by their insurance. Damage caused by their problems are their responsibility to fix. Get the name of their insurance company and you can deal with the insurance themselves if the owner is hostile.

Be sure to get the name of their insurance provider. Don't be mean about it, but also don't be a pushover. Just be matter of fact about it.

Answer 2

Okay... They are renting the property and their water heater is faulty. They need to notify the landlord immediately since they could actually be found liable for the damages the water heater could create if they don't act in a responsible manner.

The landlord can't give them the boot for something that is his/her responsiblity and certainly can't raise the rent either - at least not until the agreement they have now has been fullfilled. I know this to be true as I own rental properties and once an agreement has been signed, it's a binding contract for that term. Once it has terminated, changes can be made at that time, nobody says they have to agree to them.

All water heaters need maintenance at some point. The landlord needs to be made aware of the situation so he can be responsible about his property and provide his tenants with a water heater that works. As to your garage roof - I'd have it looked at to make sure that it hasn't weakened the structure, but more than likely, it will be fine. Better to be safe than sorry though.

Answer 3

once a lease is signed agreeing on rent price it cannot be changed until the lease expires... unless the landlord put a clause in the renters agreement that such lease can be raised in the event of.... type deal but evenso... it's not really the renters business whether or not the landlord fixes your garage or not... and if he does raise their rent later on then that just goes to show that the landlord is not a very good landlord. but generally any damage to your property will be covered under the landlords insurance and you basically wouldn't even have to deal with him once you get the name of the insurance company. Another thing; it can mold and it may not show up until summer time when things start to dry out a little. clean water or not; good luck and i hope you are able to get this straightened out.

Answer 4

Call the owner of the apartment and your own insurance company. Water damage is the worst to try to clean up.

Answer 5

one thing, it can still mold even though it was "clean water"

you need to do something about this.

Answer 6

IF IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IT WILL PROBABLY DRY OUT
O.K.