Who is responsible?

Just_Passing_Bi

Hoping someone can give us the right advice

We live in a leasehold flat and have done for 8 years, under the kitchen sink where the water pipes are, we have a water meter attached, already installed when we purchased the property.

There is a leak at the back of the water meter which appears to be coming from a joint where the water pipes meet the back of the meter, thus, water is dribbling down the back of the meter

Our neighbour on the floor below us returned from holiday on Saturday and noticed a brown stain on the ceiling, appears to be water from the leak.

We only have "contents" insurance, all fixtures & fittings are covered by the freeholders buildings insurance.

I've phoned the managing agents who said they're not responsible and to claim on our "Contents" insurance.

Phoned our contents insurer, who said the claim / damage is not covered as it's part of the "Bricks & structure / fixtures / fittings"

Anyone ever experienced this, or have any advice where we go next?

keystone

Just_Passing_Bi wrote: »

I've phoned the managing agents who said they're not responsible and to claim on our "Contents" insurance.

Phoned our contents insurer, who said the claim / damage is not covered as it's part of the "Bricks & structure / fixtures / fittings"

This is known as passing the buck. The MA is wrong:

1. It is not your responsbility to claim on your insurance for damage to someone elses property. It is the responsibility for the guy who has suffered a loss to claim on his insurance and his insurers then pursue whomsoever (and their insurers) is liable.

2. If damage is to the building (which it is as regards the ceiling downstairs) its the buildings insurance. If you have damage to the buiding within your flat its the buildings insurance. If the water has wrecked your favourite rug in the kitchen its contents.

You pay for the buildings insurance anywayt through your service charge. MA being lazy.

As a matter of interest who owns the meter and who owns the pipework leading up to the meter? You may well find that although the leak is within the confines of your flat it is the water supplier who is reponsbile.

Cheers

Just_Passing_Bi

Grrrrrrr how messy :mad:

keystone wrote: »

As a matter of interest who owns the meter and who owns the pipework leading up to the meter?

The meter was installed when we purchased the property, the meter is read by Severn Trent.

keystone wrote: »

who owns the pipework leading up to the meter?

The pipework comes externally up through the building under the sink, next to the meter is the tap I think it's the stop !!!!.

nickcc

If its the water companies meter (as they read it it must be) upstream is the water companies responsibility and downstream is the Leasholders responsibility. In either case I am unable to see how you can be held liable.

evoke

Generally, the property owner will be responsible for leaks inside their property. What you have is a joint leak and not the actual water meter leaking.

I would say you would be responsible for fixing the leak.

The owners of the flat below will have to claim on the communal BUILDINGS insurance to effect repairs AFTER you have fixed the leak in your property.

Have you tried calling your Severn Trent to see what they say?

southcoastrgi

OP you either need to check with the management co & or get a copy of their buildings insurance policy, sometimes it will cover you & sometimes it won't