Property leak from upstairs - who foots the bill?

confused_landlord

There has been a massive leak from upstairs. The owner upstairs is refusing to take responsibility, despite the managing agents of the development claim it is the responsibility of them upstairs.

Apparantly, building insurance only kicks in if the repair costs over 500 gbp. Since this repair comes in slightly under, I have been advised I need to deal with this one on one with the owner upstairs. I live in Germany and so I can only phone, but my attempts to call have been fruitless.

I feel I should not be placed in this position. I am a leaseholder, surely the 'owner' or the person taking ground rent from me should be resolving this issue? Does anyone have a similar experience? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

martinsurrey

confused_landlord wrote: »

There has been a massive leak from upstairs. The owner upstairs is refusing to take responsibility, despite the managing agents of the development claim it is the responsibility of them upstairs.

Apparantly, building insurance only kicks in if the repair costs over 500 gbp. Since this repair comes in slightly under, I have been advised I need to deal with this one on one with the owner upstairs. I live in Germany and so I can only phone, but my attempts to call have been fruitless.

I feel I should not be placed in this position. I am a leaseholder, surely the 'owner' or the person taking ground rent from me should be resolving this issue? Does anyone have a similar experience? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Was the leak an accident, so not caused by any negligence of the person upstairs.

If yes, it is NOT the upstairs owner who is responsible for the cost of the damage to your flat.

The freeholder is responsible for the fabric of the building (but it will be insured through the service charge you pay).

YOU are responsible for the contents of your flat.