Tenant rights - water damage

adezzz

A couple of days ago the water tank from flat above mine leaked gallons of water into my flat soaking my pc, books, cds. These are all now damaged beyond repair. I estimate approx £2k worth of damage.

Luckily I have contents insurance so I've made a claim. But I was wondering if I can get anything from the landlord as he doesn't seem to do the appropriate checks before the tenants above me moved in.

Both flats are owned by the same landlord.

Any advice would be appreciated.

shelleyelly

The landlord should have buildings insurance but I have been told by an insurance company, a third party can only claim if you can prove your landlord has been negligent. Try speaking to your insurance company who will be able to tell you if they can claim it back on your behalf.

bris

Why would the LL be liable for a leaking water tank, do you know anyone who checks for leaks in a watertank?

Your insurance is there for this, however if it was from the flat above claim from their insurer.

dacouch

bris wrote: »

Your insurance is there for this, however if it was from the flat above claim from their insurer.

Providing they were negligent

adezzz

I've managed to claim against my landlords insurance. Just waiting for confirmation of liability acceptance.

He hasn't even called to apologise for the damage that was caused to my things.

We have decided to move out. But I'm worried that he won't give a refernce even though we always pay rent on time and kept his flat in good condition. We've lived here for 11 years now so it will be difficult to persuade a new landlord we are good tenants. Will just bank statements and employment references be enough?

Any suggestions on how I can proceed are appreciated.

Also, is there a way of renting property without going through agencies as their fees are obscene. Are there landlord lists or something?

paddyrg

New landlord might be convinced you are decent tenants if he sees 11 years... It's when people move every 6 months that the smart landlords get jumpy

Takeaway_Addict

adezzz wrote: »

I've managed to claim against my landlords insurance. Just waiting for confirmation of liability acceptance.

He hasn't even called to apologise for the damage that was caused to my things.

We have decided to move out. But I'm worried that he won't give a refernce even though we always pay rent on time and kept his flat in good condition. We've lived here for 11 years now so it will be difficult to persuade a new landlord we are good tenants. Will just bank statements and employment references be enough?

Any suggestions on how I can proceed are appreciated.

Also, is there a way of renting property without going through agencies as their fees are obscene. Are there landlord lists or something?

Are you moving out just because of this? Have they not been decent landloards through the 11 years?

arcon5

What checks he did or didn't do on the tenants of a different flat are none of your business! So can you claim compensation for not liking them? Don't be absurd.

MamaMoo_2

arcon5 wrote: »

What checks he did or didn't do on the tenants of a different flat are none of your business! So can you claim compensation for not liking them? Don't be absurd.

I think you misread. The landlord supposedly didn't do appropriate checks on the flat before re-letting it, thus resulting in the water leak.

arcon5

MamaMoo wrote: »

I think you misread. The landlord supposedly didn't do appropriate checks on the flat before re-letting it, thus resulting in the water leak.

Yes, that makes more sense

shaun_from_Africa

Even if the landlord had gone over the flat carefully, there may well not have been any indication of a potential leak.
If there was a slow leak, you may well have noticed this due to discolouration on your ceiling, but if a large leak happened suddenly due to a pipe or union giving way, there isn't really much that the landlord could have done to prevent this.