Kitchen flooding from above flat

notnik · 20 Sep 2006 at 09:23

Well, maybe not flooding, but it's definitely more than a leak

It's a recently bought property and the owners haven't moved in yet. Work is still getting done refurnishing the place.

The ceiling doen't look to be caving, but my main concern right now is who is liable for any damage done to my ceiling? I don't want my insurance to go up because some guy left his tap on.

The water sometimes goes hot suggesting that it is a tap that's been left on, with the boiler heating the water when it switches on.

I've contected the estate agents who sold the property and they said they would get back to me, but so far nothing.

I could phone my insurers and ask them but i'm waiting on several people phoning to confirm who owns it and to ask why i'm not at work yet

Visage · 20 Sep 2006 at 09:29

notnik said:
Well, maybe not flooding, but it's definitely more than a leak

It's a recently bought property and the owners haven't moved in yet. Work is still getting done refurnishing the place.

The ceiling doen't look to be caving, but my main concern right now is who is liable for any damage done to my ceiling? I don't want my insurance to go up because some guy left his tap on.

The water sometimes goes hot suggesting that it is a tap that's been left on, with the boiler heating the water when it switches on.

I've contected the estate agents who sold the property and they said they would get back to me, but so far nothing.

I could phone my insurers and ask them but i'm waiting on several people phoning to confirm who owns it and to ask why i'm not at work yet

Your neighbour would be liable.

You should call the polices new non-emergency number (101) - they may allow someone to effect entry to the property to fix it.....

notnik · 20 Sep 2006 at 09:33

tried that.. apparently I would have to pay for the "very expensive" joiner to come and break in while the police watch, which would open myself "to a possibly severe legal situation" as someone else owns the property.

The estate agents just called back and confirmed that they did have that property on the market, so at least i know it's not that an elderly person has died (one of our neighbours, who i just met for the first time, though an old person lived there.. ..good to see the community spirit is still alive :rolleyes:

).

Werewolf · 20 Sep 2006 at 10:15

if the estate agents have the property on the market, i would think they would have the ability to pass a message along to the owners "your flat is leaking, and it's going to cost a lot more for you to fix the damage later if you don't do it now".

The current owner of the flat above would (I would assume) be responsible for any damage caused by a leak on their property.

notnik · 20 Sep 2006 at 10:31

excellent, they did just that..

the new owners have a tiler coming sometime this morning so he'll have a looksee and we'll see what can be done from there..

hopefully (but doubtfully) i'll be able to get a galnce at the room that's leaking and see what the damage to their room is and what the potential damage to my kitchen will be so i can properly prepare..

buying your own place is so much hassle

Visage · 20 Sep 2006 at 10:33

notnik said:
excellent, they did just that..

the new owners have a tiler coming sometime this morning so he'll have a looksee and we'll see what can be done from there..

hopefully (but doubtfully) i'll be able to get a galnce at the room that's leaking and see what the damage to their room is and what the potential damage to my kitchen will be so i can properly prepare..

buying your own place is so much hassle

Get a quote for the repairs to your flat and pass it onto them. They'll have to claim on their own insurance to re-imburse you.

notnik · 20 Sep 2006 at 10:34

Visage said:
Get a quote for the repairs to your flat and pass it onto them. They'll have to claim on their own insurance to re-imburse you.

Good point. I'll make copies of that, too.. ..and pictures! Must remember to take pictures.

Pookie Bear · 20 Sep 2006 at 10:42

The flat downstairs from me can turn my water off in an emergency. Well, technically they could do it if I upset them, but they don't

notnik · 20 Sep 2006 at 11:07

Our building was built by very intelligent people who decided that there should only be one stop-valve for the water for the entire building, and this can only be used by the water board as it requires a special tool. Probably the architect.