Water leaking through my ceiling - who's problem?

mmlabbd

Dear all,

Please indulge me as I'm a first time owner and don't know much about these things (I normally just call the landlord!).

I live in a ground floor maisonette and own the place, the upstairs flat is rented by a couple. They rent from an estate agent.

Just before New Year a pipe burst under their hot water tank and drenched my flat. They had it fixed and there was no permanent damage to my flat.

Two days ago water started trickling back through the ceiling again, not in any great amount but its spreading and this time it's causing some discolouration to the ceiling and more inconvenience.

I have spoken to the tenants who have in turn spoken to their estate agents, but I want to know who I need to be chasing to get things sorted from my end. When the problem is fixed and I need to repaint the ceiling is it the tenants, the estate agent or their landlord who I chase (or any of them) as I don't think the tenant has any idea who the actual landlord is?

And if the problem keeps happening can I contact the estate agent and complain if they are being slack or do I just have to pursue it through the tenant?

The tenants are being very friendly but it's just a young girl normally on her own with a baby and I feel guilty about constantly calling upstairs.

Hope one of you experienced homeowners can help...

Thanks.
Chris.

thescouselander

I would say it is the landlord who you need to chase.

missile

Do you have house insurance? I would suggest you get onto them to do a proper repair and let them sort out claiming back from whomever.

I would not wish to alarm you, but "there was no permanent damage to my flat" how can you be sure?

I had a leak in my bathroom and I called out a plumber to fix it, no big deal £150. Thought I would claim on my house insurance. Surveyor came round and his report said wall floor carpets etc needed replacing. Surely not I said. Well it is up to you but if you do not replace the wet materials dampness may cause mould growth in the cavity wall etc.

mmlabbd

missile wrote: »

Do you have house insurance? I would suggest you get onto them to do a proper repair and let them sort out claiming back from whomever.

I would not wish to alarm you, but "there was no permanent damage to my flat" how can you be sure?

I had a leak in my bathroom and I called out a plumber to fix it, no big deal £150. Thought I would claim on my house insurance. Surveyor came round and his report said wall floor carpets etc needed replacing. Surely not I said. Well it is up to you but if you do not replace the wet materials dampness may cause mould growth in the cavity wall etc.

I have Buildings and Contents - is it the Buildings policy you are talking about? If so, it's part of the Service charge...

Thanks.
Chris.