Water leaking to downstairs flat

davidrle

Hello

We have a leak in our flat right now - I think from the washing machine. It's going into the flat downstairs. I am not sure of the damage yet, we're having a plumber etc coming in today to have a look.

I've never had to do anything like this before - and while I'm prepared to pay what I am due to pay, after all it is our fault, I don't want to be taken for a mug by the owner downstairs.

Presumably for any damage caused, downstairs will claim on their insurance. It's then presumably up to their insurance company to try and claim back from us or our insurance?

The excess on our insurance policy is £250 for water damage - lets assume that downstairs have the same excess. Who is responsible for paying that? And if the damage is less than £250 and no insurance company is involved, presumably downstairs can bill us for the work?

I'm not trying to get out of paying here - I just would like some advice on the procedure and who is duty bound to pay what!

Many thanks,
David

FlameCloud

Depending on where you live it is quite likely that the flat downstairs is on the same policy as you - assuming it is a leasehold and there is a seperate freeholder. If this is the case then they are unlikely to be able to pursue you for the costs.

In any event, they could only pursue you for the costs if they can prove that you were negligent in allowing the damage, which from the sounds of it you are not.

InsideInsurance

For you to be responsible for the damage you must have been legally liable and in most of these cases you arent unless of cause you know your washing machine is leaking and water is going into the flat below and despite that you are continue to use it and not try and get it fixed.