We talk a lot about water damage on this site, and rightfully so. There are so many nuances when it comes to this often very disruptive yet incredibly common issue that it requires many different answers to numerous different questions.
However, you may have noticed that we’ve been regarding our readers as mainly homeowners, which may have left you, likely a renter if reading this, a bit in the dark. Not today, though!
In today’s article, we’ll go in-depth about water damage – what causes it, common causes of water damage in rental properties, what you should do as a tenant, what to expect from your landlord, laws that protect each side, possible disputes that may arise, and how to resolve them.
So, set aside a few minutes because this post will be very detailed.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
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Common Causes of Water Damage in Rental Properties
Water damage involves any unexpected leaks, backlogs, or overflows that lead to a substantial amount of water spreading and soaking up your property’s materials – walls, floors, and furniture.
Depending on the cause of the problem and the place where the water originated, you may be dealing with potentially very dirty, possibly even contaminated, water.
Here are some of the common causes of water damage in different types of rental properties:
Apartments
Poor construction practices or defects in the building’s design can often contribute to water issues. This may include issues with flashing, waterproofing, or inadequate drainage systems.
And no, it’s not just “old buildings”. New luxury apartment complexes are just as susceptible, if not even more. It’s becoming more common practice to save as much as possible on the quality of building materials and just focus on the “looks”.
For instance, residents of new luxury developments in New York City are now suing the developers for a large sum because of leaking problems and many other defects.
You can also experience a leak in your apartment due to your neighbor’s fault. Their apartment may experience water damage, and the water may then leak into your place too if you’re on the floor below.
And then, there’s also an instance when it’s just your place with a problem. Causes can be those that can happen anywhere, regardless of the property type:
- Appliance leaks
- Plumbing failures
- AC leaks
- Sewage backups
- Bathtub or kitchen sink overflows
And more.
Houses
Similar case here, although you’re now more or less independent than you’re in an apartment building.
Floods are more likely to inflict damage, though, as you’re just above ground level. The same goes for low-level apartment residents.
If you live in a flood-prone place like Florida, Texas, or Louisiana, these disasters are more of a reality for you than for someone living in a place like Utah.
Other than that, the causes are the same indoors for you as they are for someone living in an apartment, condo, or townhouse.
What to Do After Water Damage as a Tenant
Now, after water damage, you should promptly report any leaks to the landlord or their property management before you do anything else.
Of course, try to stop the leak if feasible. However, if the damage came from a very contaminated source, like sewage, do not even try to address it on your own.
It all depends on the source. If the damage has been caused by YOUR negligence (leaving taps on, not addressing any signs of damage that could lead to leaks further down the line, etc.), then you would most likely be held responsible for all losses.
In that instance, it would be up to you to fix the damage on your own or hire a company to do that for you.
Consult with your landlord and get to the bottom of the issue – what caused it, and what should be done to fix it.
Landlord’s Duties for Repairing Water Damage
If the damage is not your fault and the cause of the damage is considered “sudden” and “accidental” (appliance leaks, frozen pipe bursts, etc.), then your landlord is required to fix the damage and ensure livable conditions for you since they own the property.
Now, each state has its own laws, but, for example, in California, the state’s civil code requires landlords to maintain livable conditions for their tenants. This includes mitigating flood and water damage.
In Texas, the tenant is expected to take several steps, like informing their landlord and then giving them a “reasonable” amount of time to repair the damage before the landlord is held liable.
But generally, states require landlords to keep their property in good condition. This means that your landlord is legally required to remove any water or mold problems, among many other things.
You may even have a deal to cover the costs yourself and then have the landlord deduct the costs from your rent.
Tenants Rights and Liabilities for your Landlords
If a landlord fails to quickly address and fix damage in a rental property THEY are responsible for, they may face various liabilities and consequences, depending on the jurisdiction.
Some potential liabilities for those landlords include the following:
Tenant's Right to Withhold Rent
In most areas, tenants have the right to withhold rent or seek a rent reduction if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a given timeframe.
How long is this timeframe?
Like most questions, the answer depends on where you’re based. In California, for instance, the timeframe depends on the urgency of the situation. In cases of non-urgent, non-health-threatening damage, the duration is 30 days. For health-threatening damage, the answer is much closer to 24 hours.
Again, it all depends on the situation.
And then there are places where you’re still not allowed to withhold, even if the landlord has failed to repair the damage, like Texas.
Do further research based on your location. Note that what we’re saying here is not legal advice. Consult with a legal professional instead if you require help with such.
Tenant's Right to Repair and Deduct
Like we’ve mentioned earlier, there is a possibility of this type of arrangement.
So, tenants would make the necessary repairs themselves and then deduct the cost from their rent if the landlord does not address the issue within a reasonable timeframe and the damage affects the habitability of the property.
For example, in Illinois, if you have damage that the landlord is responsible for, you can apply this approach.
Legal Action by Tenants
Tenants may have the right to take legal action against the landlord for damages or injuries resulting from the failure to address and fix issues.
This could include compensation for personal property damage, health-related issues, or other harm suffered due to the landlord’s unresponsiveness.
More about this later on.
Violation of Lease Agreement
A landlord’s failure to address and fix damage may be considered a violation of the lease agreement, potentially giving tenants grounds to terminate the lease without penalty.
Local Housing Authority Involvement
Tenants may also report the issue to local housing authorities, who can then conduct inspections and require the landlord to make the necessary repairs.
Failure to comply could lead to fines or other penalties.
Here you go. Those would be the most prominent rights. Of course, your local area may have additional, unique responsibilities for both its landlords and tenants.
Again, consult with a local legal professional if you need further insight for any of these rights and duties.
How to Communicate With Your Landlord in Case of Damage
Keep the communication clear, backed up by photographic or video evidence of the situation. These will come in handy in the event of any potential disputes.
Make sure you use a method of communication specified in your lease agreement (for example, email, phone, or a dedicated maintenance request system). Also, if you initially report the issue verbally, follow up with a written communication (email is often effective) summarizing the problem and the steps you’ve taken to report it.
If your landlord has a designated system for reporting maintenance issues, use it. This helps create a documented record of your request.
Keep a record of all communication with your landlord, including dates, times, and a summary of discussions.
Of course, you want to do the best you can to both resolve the issue the right way and maintain a good relationship with your landlord.
But if your relationship is not as good, actual evidence of both what happened and what you’ve done regarding the situation will play a key role.
If the landlord is unresponsive to your reports and requests, look into some of the rights we’ve outlined above. Get familiar with the timeframes set by your local authority and use them if necessary.
Let’s hope this doesn’t happen, though. You should have a good relationship with your landlord. If not, read some helpful tips to improve it.
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As soon as you call the number below, you’ll be connected with a professional restoration company in your area. Free, with no advertising or commitment.
Temporary Relocation
What is this?
Temporary relocation rights for tenants mean that tenants have the legal right to be temporarily moved to other accommodations provided by the landlord.
This usually happens when there’s a need for significant repairs, renovations, or when something happens that makes the rental property temporarily unlivable, AKA flooding or a significant water damage event.
So, if your situation is quite severe, you may want to look into this option while the damage is being mitigated.
The specific details and rights related to temporary relocation can vary depending on local laws and what’s written in the lease agreement.
Insurance Options
As a tenant, you likely have renters insurance, which typically covers personal belongings harmed in the event of water damage.
Determine who is responsible for the leak, and then review and understand the coverage limits and terms of your renters insurance policy to see if you can get coverage for all of your personal losses and repairs in case you’re responsible for everything.
Depending on your policy, you may have:
Personal Property Coverage
This covers the tenant’s personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items. The coverage limits are set by you, the tenant, and should reflect the actual value of your items.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage protects the tenant in case they are responsible for damage to the rental property or if someone is injured.
The coverage limit is also chosen by you and should be sufficient to provide financial protection in case of a liability claim.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage
ALE coverage helps pay for additional living expenses if the rental property becomes uninhabitable after water damage.
This type of coverage typically has a separate limit, and you should make sure you can get enough to live somewhere else temporarily until the problem is resolved.
Mediation and Disputes
Can’t work with your landlord alone? Perhaps it’s time to get some help.
Before going to court, you may want to try mediation.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which a neutral third party, known as a mediator, facilitates communication and negotiation between parties involved in a dispute.
Unlike a judge or an arbitrator, a mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions but rather assists the parties in finding their own resolution and resolving their differences.
During mediation, the mediator helps the parties explore their perspectives, interests, and concerns, guiding them through a structured process to identify common ground and potential solutions.
It is considered a flexible and confidential process that can be less formal and adversarial than traditional litigation.
And then there is the option of taking your landlord to court.
Sometimes things just don’t work out any other way. And that’s okay. But be aware of the responsibility you’re taking on and work with your legal professional to see what your chances are of winning the case.
Conclusion
That’s about it for today. This was a lengthy post, and there was a lot of stuff to take in. Hopefully, you found some advice helpful.
Other than that, we recommend you further educate yourself on preventative measures for water damage.
Have a great rest of your day, best of luck!