Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Water Damage in Condo from Neighbor's Renters

I own a condo and came home to my kitchen and master bedroom bathroom being flooded. The adjacent unit's washing maching had flooded and spilled over into my unit. The unit's tenants are renter's who rented through a rental agency commissioned by the owner. When I contacted the rental agency about the damages, they had the company repairing their unit come by mine and setup fans and pull the carpet pad over the course of a few days. The owner's insurance company has sent me a letter saying that they were ''not liable'' and ''would not pay my claim.'' The rental agency has contacted trying to have me pay the bill for approx. $1700 and now the owner has left me a message today. What should I do?


Asked on 7/08/06, 4:57 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

Re: Water Damage in Condo from Neighbor's Renters

You can submit your claim for damages to your insurance company. If you have no insurance coverage, then tell the agency seeking money from you that your neighbor will pay for the damage to your unit. If the neighbor doesn't, you'll have a small claims action against them. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/10/06, 11:10 am
Randy Schlosser Law Office of RM Schlosser

Re: Water Damage in Condo from Neighbor's Renters

If the damage was caused by a leak in the adjacent condo, the adjacent condo owner is liable for the damage. If damage is less than $5000, seek small claims action only after seeking payment from owner, your insurance and other insurance company. If damage is over 5k you may need a lawyer; get legal advice to determine.

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Answered on 7/10/06, 8:50 pm


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