The water has left a patch on the ceiling and a thin crack - it hasn't damaged any contents - can anybody tell me if this comes under the buildings or contents insurance. As a tenant i don't have buildings insurance. Any advice ?
2007-10-27 02:28:27 · 13 answers · asked by Claire 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I can't pick a favourite - it's great to have so many answers - thank you all 4 taking the time to answer - * *
2007-10-27 14:52:07 · update #1
If the washing machine is your own (not the landlord's appliance), then you are responsible for damages caused by it. The landord is within his rights to charge you for the costs of the repairs.
This is why you should have renter's insurance. It's very inexpensive and would cover such an occurrence.
2007-10-27 04:04:19 · answer #1 · answered by acermill 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
As a Landlord I would want to know about and inspect the damage caused by the leak. Just because you can't see damage doesn't mean it's not there. I hope you have renters Ins. If you don't have it now, I suggest that you get it soon. I insure all my buildings for replacement cost of the structure for fire.... etc, and liability, but the contents of the tenant is not covered. That is the responsibility of the renter. I would let the Landlord know so they can inspect for damage that you may not see. And yes, it's important. If the area between floors does not dry properly, it could be a place for mold and mildew growth.
2007-10-27 07:14:04 · answer #2 · answered by skiingstowe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not building insurance but renters insurance. Depending on what type of renters insurance you get it would usually pay to repair any damage that is done in your unit. If you damaged the ceiling the landlord will have to pay to repair this, since it was your washing machine that caused the damage then the landlord is well within his right to charge you for the repair to the ceiling and if you move out then he has the right to withhold your secuirty deposit. The landlord/owner will carry a blanket insurance policy to cover fire, flood storm damage insurance that will repair the outside and inside of the property if a fire, or flood damages the apartment severly, it will not cover damage done by you or your washing machine as the insurance policy will carry a very high deductible, the landlord will look to you for reimbursement, that's why renters insurance is worth carrying as you can go thru your insurance company to cover a portion of the cost to repair.
2007-10-27 07:04:55 · answer #3 · answered by Weimaraner Mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it was your machine, not supplied by the lessor, you are liable for damage it caused. Is anybody after you for money? From your statement, there was no damage to the property of your downstairs neighbor. You should document this if you can. Depending on the amount of damage to your floor/their ceiling, managment may come after you for the cost of repair. You should insist on seeing three estimates of the cost of repair in case they try to gouge you. If you have been a good long-time tenant who pays on time, they may write it off as a business expense or have insurance to cover it. If they don't, see if they will deduct it from your security deposit so you don't have to pay more up front. If that doesn't work and you're strapped for cash, see if you can pay it off over time with your rent payments. Of course, if you have any type of renter's insurance and it's a big bill, go to your company. From your description, unless the wet patch/crack on the neighbor's ceiling is big, this should not be an expensive repair job -- cut out the old damaged part of the ceiling, put up new drywall, tape and paint. If there was any damage to electrical fixtures like overhead lights, that will add to the costs, but not much. Ballpark, between $100-$250.00, including labor, for a professional job. Damage to your floor -- I dunno; you didn't give any information. You also want to determine why your machine flooded and make sure it doesn't happen again. You may need to call in a serviceman. if it's an old machine and needs repair, think about replacement rather than repair.
2007-10-27 02:52:03 · answer #4 · answered by nam_miles 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I moved out 4 weeks ago. Landlord states their washer machine caused a flood. Who is responsible for the damages. Would my renter's insurance cover this? I am living in another location.
2014-07-28 03:57:33 · answer #5 · answered by gerri 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insurance For Washing Machines
2016-12-14 15:58:23 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch out for mold. I can tell you about a similar circumstance in a condo unit and the downstairs neighbor developed an illness 6 months after the incident. After much investigating it turned out to be toxic mold and the upstairs unit owner was held liable. They were unfortunate not to have condo insurance ( very similar to renters insurance ) and subsequently had to pay thousands to abate the mold in the downstairs unit. The upstairs homeowner did not have the money to pay for this and the downstairs unit owner has now filed a lien against the upstairs unit owner after receiving a judgment in court. This has fostered a very bad neighbor situation as well. Imagine having to live next door to someone who owes you thousands as ordered by the court because of a bad drain hose from a washing machine and can not pay for it. The downstairs homeowner will get their money when and if the upstairs unit ever sells. Given the current housing market, I don't see that happening anytime soon.
2007-10-27 21:14:21 · answer #7 · answered by Eric H 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the washing machine is not yours, then it's the landlord's responsibility to repair.
However, if the washing machine is yours, then yes, it will come over buildings and contents...even though comments were not damaged, one of the major reasons to carry the insurance is in case you accidently damage the property, so in that case, you should be covered.
They will fix the damage, but will not replace the CAUSE of the damage, which is your faulty washing machine.
2007-10-27 02:44:27 · answer #8 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your on the second floor and your machine caused damage downstairs you better have good renters insurance because the landlord will be within his rights to ask you to pay for it
2007-10-27 05:01:14 · answer #9 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello Claire,
Depending on how well you get along with your "downstairs"neighbor,ask him/her if there's any way you could repair the damage done to the ceiling yourself & avoid having your landlord involved.It is your sole responsibility to fix it & rather than have an expensive contractor come in and
charge you "an arm & leg"for a small job have one of your friends do or help you do it yourself for alot less money! It probably won't cost you all that much for the materials to put it right! Good luck Doll !
2007-10-27 02:41:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋