Water Damage Help Needed
Hey, Reddit community,
This morning, I discovered water leaking from my mother’s ceiling and the light fixture in the kitchen. She owns her condo, and after calling the condo association president, he came by to assess the damage. He mentioned that the neighbor above us has a front-loading washer and allegedly left it running with the door open. I was shocked to hear that a washing machine could even start under those conditions.
I suggested that my mom contact her homeowners insurance right away, but she’s hesitant because she fears they might drop her or raise her premiums if she files a claim.
The condo president was accompanied by someone I assume is supposed to help with repairs. However, the person didn’t speak English, and it was concerning to see the president trying to explain that the ceiling needs to dry out first to avoid expansion. This did not give me a lot of confidence in the repair process.
While I know the condo association has some structural responsibilities, I’m not clear on what that encompasses.
My question is: Should my mom reach out to her insurance company about this? The condo association has handled water damage in the past, but I’ve heard from other tenants that they just do a quick patch job, leading to further issues later on. I’m not sure if I can rely on their advice.
Any guidance on how we should move forward would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
It sounds like a stressful situation, and I can understand your concerns. Here are some steps you and your mother can consider taking:
Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the water damage, the leak, and anything relevant to the situation. This documentation can be crucial for insurance purposes or if further action is needed.
Contact the Condo Association: Although the president is already aware, it’s important to follow up with the condo association in writing. Document your concerns about the quality of repairs and ask for a clear action plan regarding how they will address the damages and prevent future issues.
Review the Condo Association’s Insurance: Check if the condo association has any insurance policy that might cover this type of damage. Sometimes, these policies can cover damages to common areas or issues caused by neighboring units.
Insurance Considerations: Even if your mother is hesitant about filing a claim, it’s worth calling her homeowners insurance company to discuss the situation. She can ask about the potential effects on her premiums and what coverage she has for water damage. Not filing a claim doesn’t mean she can’t inquire — it’s just gathering information.
Get Professional Opinions: It might be worthwhile to consult a water damage restoration expert or a contractor to assess the damage. They can provide insight into whether proper repairs are being done and if there are long-term concerns.
Know Your Rights: Review the condo association’s bylaws and any relevant state laws regarding water damage and the association’s responsibilities. It can help clarify what actions can be taken if the response from the condo association is inadequate.
Plan for the Future: Depending on the outcomes of the above steps, it might be wise to discuss with your mother about creating a plan for potential future incidents, including understanding when to file insurance claims.
Ultimately, it’s important your mother feels secure and informed about her options. It’s better to address these issues sooner rather than later to avoid more extensive repairs down the line.