Is My Landlord Responsible for Water Damage?

Learn
About Liability When It Comes To Water Damage In A Rental!

Renting an apartment or condo has strong perks, and one of them is not
being responsible for expensive renovations and the maintenance that comes with
owning a house. However, when there is water
damage in a rental unit, it may be unclear what you are responsible
for as a tenant versus what your landlord is responsible for as the owner of
the unit.

When it comes to replacing and repairing your
possessions and the property after water damage occurs in your apartment, you
may be wondering: Am I responsible for water damage, or is my landlord?

The answer to that question depends on a
couple of things, including how the damage occurred, whether anyone was
responsible, the extent of the damages, the terms of the lease, and the insurance policies
of the landlord and renter. Continue reading to learn about where the
responsibility lies if there is water damage in your apartment!

Who Is
Responsible for Water Damage?

Unless otherwise delegated in a lease, if
there is an issue with something in a rental property it is usually a
landlord’s responsibility to get it fixed. Whether there is a leaky roof, a burst pipe, or just everyday wear and tear, a
landlord is tasked with maintaining “a
livable, safe, and sanitary home” according to the New York State
Attorney General’s Office, and must upkeep a rental property accordingly.

If your rental unit has water damage, the
origin of the water will be a main factor in determining who is the responsible
party. While your landlord may be ultimately responsible for maintaining the property,
as a tenant you should do your best to keep on the lookout for any signs of
issues. Negligence or failure to report issues to your landlord could place you
at fault if damages do arise. Let your landlord know about any leaks you find
in any pipes or ceilings so that corrective action can be taken before it
becomes a bigger problem.

Is
Renters Insurance Worth It?

At $15 a month on average, renters
insurance is one of the most affordable ways to insure and protect
your belongings against water damage, fire damage, theft and vandalism, and
extreme weather. Some landlords may require renters insurance in order to move
into a unit, but we recommend renters insurance regardless as a cost-effective
means to protect your belongings.

Renters insurance also offers liability protection which can assist with
bodily injury, damages, legal expenses and medical expenses. This protection
can save you big time if disaster strikes: For example, if you were found at
fault for water damage in your apartment building and your landlord or other
tenants tried to sue you, renters insurance could help you cover damages and
legal expenses.

Contact an agent today to discuss your
coverage options!