If you have water damage in your apartment, your first thought is probably to call someone to clean it up. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Since you’re the tenant, you’re not able to authorize the work. This means you need to contact your landlord first. We cover what to do if you have water damage in your apartment as well as offer some tips about dealing with your landlord. If they don’t take action, we also outline your rights as a tenant.
What To Do If You Have Water Damage in an Apartment
1. Report the Damage Immediately
As soon as you notice the water, you need to report the problem immediately. Call your landlord or on-call maintenance team and explain what happened the best you can. While you might be worried they will blame you for the damage, it could be worse if you wait to call. Waiting actually increases the chances they will evict you.
2. Document Water Damage in Your Apartment
Next, start taking photos or videos of the damage. This helps your case if you file a renters’ insurance claim or in the event that a lawsuit is filed. You should keep the photos as well as all documents related to the problem for at least two years. If you’ve had issues with your landlord in the past, keep them for at least two years after you move out.
3. Move Items to Clear a Path to the Damage
Once you’ve documented the damage, move your personal items out of the way. This way your landlord or maintenance team can easily get to the problem. If the water is still flowing into your apartment, you should move items out of the way as quickly as possible. Do this at the same time as you take photos to document the damage.
4. Document the Restoration Process
Most importantly, you should keep good notes about the whole process. Save copies of all emails or text messages you send as well as make notes about phone calls. If your landlord hasn’t taken action, contact your local housing authority. They can assist with filing a claim or lawsuit against your landlord.
What You Need To Know About Calling a Restoration Company
Unfortunately, not every landlord will take action right away. While you can call a restoration company to assist with apartment water damage, they will not be able to help you without your landlord’s approval. This is as much to protect you as it is to protect them. If you do call a water damage restoration company, be prepared for them to ask to speak with the landlord.
Apartment Water Damage Tenants Rights
Tenants’ rights are pretty much the same across the country, with New York and Los Angeles having some of the most strict laws. Contact your local housing authority for more information about your rights and how they apply to your situation.
Can you be evicted after apartment water damage?
Your landlord can evict you after apartment water damage. However, this is usually only the case if the apartment is completely destroyed. Also, most states require at least 30 days notice.
Who pays for water damage in your apartment?
By law, your landlord is responsible for repairs costs to the apartment itself. However, this does not include damages to your belongings unless you can prove it was due to the landlord’s negligence. For example, if you reported a small leak that wasn’t fixed.
Can I stay in my apartment while the water damage is repaired?
Whether you can stay in your apartment during repairs depends on the amount of damage. If you can’t stay in your apartment due to the damages, you don’t have to pay rent for that time. You might even be able to cancel your lease if there is extreme damage.
Get Emergency Water Damage Restoration
If you have water damage in your apartment and your landlord is there to approve the work, Restoration Local is available for immediate service. Our water damage cleanup specialists offer 24-hour service and a risk-free estimate for cleanup and repairs. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for apartment water damage restoration.
