Of all the places water can come out of in your apartment, the ceiling might be one of the most unsettling. Yet, an apartment ceiling leak can happen, and when they do, you’ll need to figure out what to do to minimize the damage.
Whether it was caused by you, another tenant, or your landlord, the apartment ceiling leaks can create a mess and turn a pleasant environment into an inhabitable one. Read on to learn what causes ceiling leaks and how you should respond.
Table of Contents
What Causes Ceiling Leaks in Apartments?
It’s not hard to trace the root cause of an apartment ceiling leak since you know it must be from a water source. That means an overflowing tub, flooded toilet, leaking refrigerator, or broken water line could be what’s allowing water to leak through the ceiling.
What Should I Do When My Ceiling is Leaking in My Apartment?
What Should I Do When My Ceiling is Leaking in My Apartment?The first thing you should do is contact your landlord about it. If possible, check in with your neighbor above to see if they are aware of the leak. You should also review your lease to see who is responsible for water damage. Finally, take pictures of the damage and keep them for insurance purposes.
How Serious Can The Water Damage Be?
Water damage is no joke. Even small amounts of water can lead to significant damage like mold growth or weakened structural material. Not to mention water damage can also lower property value. That’s why you mustn’t wait to take action. Give your landlord a call so they can make the appropriate arrangements.
Read More: 6 Signs of a Bursted Water Pipe
Who Is Responsible for an Apartment Ceiling Leak?
Once the damage is done, who is responsible? This depends on how the damage was caused.
Renters Insurance
Your renter’s insurance (if you have it) may be able to cover temporary living if the repairs or restoration will take weeks or months. Even if your upstairs neighbors are at fault, insurance coverage should not be affected. Contact your agent following an apartment ceiling leak to discuss what they can do for you.
Landlord Responsibilities
The landlord or property manager is considered responsible if they neglect routine maintenance that results in water damage. An example could be ignoring a broken pipe. The tenant can even take legal action in some cases, making it significantly more important for the landlord to resolve issues as they arise or take steps to prevent them in the first place.
Tenant Responsibilities
The tenant or renter is considered responsible if they act negligently or carelessly, resulting in water damage. An example of this would be a tenant erroneously flushing products not intended for the toilet, causing it to overflow. This can also be true for acts done over time, like pouring grease or another substance that’s not meant for the drainage system down the drain. After some time, that can lead to a dangerous clog that could result in a ruptured pipe.
Read More: Are Landlords or Tenants Responsible For Water Damage in Rental Properties?
Should I Call A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company?
Should I Call A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company?If you are the tenant, know that the responsibility of calling a professional water damage company lies with the property owner. However, with their permission, you can call for water damage clean-up services.
Renters and landlords alike can trust CTR to clean up and restore the property to its pre-loss condition. Our team works fast to address water damage and prevent it from worsening. They come prepared to extract, clean, and make repairs if necessary. Call CTR any time of day or any day of the week for emergency services.
