Tenant Policy – Temporary Relocation for 6-8 Weeks
We’ve been living in our apartment for five years, and about a month ago, we discovered water leaking up through the floor. We immediately reported this to our landlord.
Today, the landlord’s insurance adjuster and contractor came to assess the damage. As of now, the source of the issue remains unclear. They mentioned that the kitchen will need to be demolished to identify the cause and verify coverage for the homeowner’s insurance.
During this process, our tenant policy has advised us to file a claim. Given that we have an infant and there’s dust and potential mold in the affected area, they suggested we find temporary housing while the work is being done.
I’m concerned that if this turns out to be a slow leak, it might not qualify as a covered loss. Additionally, I’m worried it could be a foundation problem. Is relocation coverage typically included in these policies? We know our limit is around $14,000.
I could really use some advice on how to handle this claim, especially since we don’t have family nearby for support (we’re based in British Columbia, Canada). Any help would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, especially with a young infant to consider. Here are some steps and considerations to help you navigate this process:
Review Your Tenant Policy: Carefully read your tenant insurance policy to confirm the specifics regarding relocation coverage. Oftentimes, policies will cover additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, but the definitions of “covered loss” can vary.
Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications with your landlord, the insurance adjuster, and the contractor. Take photos of the damage, the work being done, and any other relevant information. This documentation can be critical if there are disputes later regarding coverage.
Clarify Coverage with Your Insurer: Contact your insurance provider to discuss the situation in detail. Explain the circumstances, including the potential slow leak situation, and ask them to clarify what types of damage or situations are covered under your policy. They should also be able to confirm whether relocation costs are included for the duration of the repairs.
Mitigation of Damages: Due to the potential for dust and mold, especially with a young child, it may be prudent to find alternative accommodations as recommended. Explain this necessity to your insurance rep, as they may need to authorize it as part of your claim.
Understand Deductibles: Be aware of any deductibles that may apply to your claim, and how they might impact your overall reimbursement for relocation.
Seek Temporary Housing: Start looking into temporary accommodations, whether that’s staying at a hotel, with friends, or finding a short-term rental. If your insurance policy covers it, you’ll want to act quickly to minimize stress and potential health risks.
Landlord’s Responsibilities: Your landlord should also be proactive in resolving the issue. Depending on the cause of the leak, they might have specific obligations under local tenancy laws to ensure the unit is habitable.
Consult Local Regulations: Since you’re in British Columbia, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with local tenancy regulations. The Residential Tenancy Branch can provide resources and support regarding landlord and tenant rights.
Consider Professional Help: If you feel overwhelmed, it might make sense to consult a lawyer or a tenant advocacy group for additional support and guidance on your rights and options.
Stay Communicative: Keep an open line of communication with all parties involved. This can help facilitate a smoother process as the situation develops.
Navigating insurance claims can be complex, but taking these steps will help you advocate for yourself and your family during this time. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support as you deal with this stressor.