Who Is Responsible For Water Damage To Your Apartment

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Lower East Side offers an easier insurance claim process!

Water damage can be a serious issue for property owners. But it can be even more confusing for people who rent property. Oftentimes, the responsibility for handling damage can be complex for people who rent apartment units. Generally speaking, it is usually the property manager or building owner who is most responsible for handling and solving issues regarding water damage. That said, local laws, state laws, and other laws can all play a role. It is important to look into those laws and get guidance on any specific issues with your apartment or apartment building. 

Are Landlords Responsible For Handling Water Damage Cleanup?

Generally speaking, the owners of a property are usually responsible for managing any damage to the property. While the tenant might be at fault for damages which can lead to a loss of your security deposit or in some cases might be grounds for eviction, the responsibility of handling damage to a property is usually going to be the property owner’s problem. That said there are some permutations here. First and foremost, if the damage is only to personal property like furniture or other items owned by the tenant it would likely not fall on the property owner to handle that. In those cases, a tenant would likely need to rely on their renter’s insurance plan for coverage for their personal property. Another thing to consider is the cause of the damage. If the damage is caused by inclement weather or something completely out of the control of both the tenant and property manager there isn’t much concern regarding fault. However, if the damage is caused by a tenant violating their lease agreement, it can lead to serious consequences.

How Does Renter’s Insurance Work?

Many apartment buildings require tenants to have a renters’ insurance plan to lease the apartment unit. Like other forms of insurance, renters’ insurance requires the tenant to pay monthly or routinely into an insurance plan that can be used in the event of damage to your property. Different insurance plans provide different levels of coverage. Most plans are designed to protect a renter’s personal property and not the building itself. The insurance covers damages that can happen to owned items like furniture, clothing, and jewelry in the event that those items are stolen or destroyed. 

Water Damage Cleanup in Lower East Side Manhatten

If you live in the Lower East Side Manhatten area and need help with water damage cleanup services, the SERVPRO® team can help. We have the advanced water inspection, extraction, and drying equipment needed for any size water damage and we are always ready for your call with water extraction services nearby because we understand time is of the essence when water damages your property. Give us a call or visit our website for more information.