My washing machine leaked into the flat below

Cantisque

Hello,

Looking really for some advice on what to expect from this situation as it involves water damage and two properties, since the water leaked into the flat below mine.

At midday, washing machine had stopped working and was leaking when I went to check on it. I shut it off and mopped up, then drained it as best I could but the machine wouldn't stay powered on any more so I couldn't get a full drain cycle. I mopped up around the sides until dry and confirmed no more water was coming out. I did take pictures as I went as I was sending them to a relative asking for technical advice. I couldn't pull the machine out to get around the rear, but I suspect that's where the water was getting into the wall/floor.

The machine is about 5 and a half years old and was installed by AO (it's mine and not part of the rented fittings).

Neighbour said there was no damage done to their property, other than wet carpet and damp wall.

Main point of confusion is: you have my contents insurance, the other tenants insurance and the landlords insurance. What happens in this sort of situation? Would I make a claim against escape of water from an appliance? Or tenant liability? Or would it count as something for the landlords buildings insurance to deal with? Haven't had to do anything like this before so not sure.

They'll let me know I'm sure in the coming days but just wondered if anyone had some advice to prep me for what's to come or any experiences to share so I can brace myself.

kingstreet

You are only liable for your neighbour's damage if you were warned about it previously and failed to take action. That would be considered negligent.

On the face of it, it seems everyone claims on their own cover for their own damage.

Cantisque

kingstreet said:

You are only liable for your neighbour's damage if you were warned about it previously and failed to take action. That would be considered negligent.

On the face of it, it seems everyone claims on their own cover for their own damage.

Thanks, that's the general vibe I'm getting from policy documents and various advice sites, but the examples they give aren't specifically matching my own.

I got worried because when I was informed about downstairs having leaks (I had already rectified the issue by that point!) the letting agency said I might be liable to pay for the damage, but so far as I can tell the only damage done is to the paint downstairs, which is part of the landlords coverage. Neither myself or the other tenant have had any personal property damaged.

Not sure if this would have caused significant structural damage or not, I'd imagine not because surely buildings can withstand some water? Leaks from plumbing and appliances can't be that uncommon right?