Skip to content
×
Try PRO Free Today!
BiggerPockets Pro offers you a comprehensive suite of tools and resources
Market and Deal Finder Tools
Deal Analysis Calculators
Property Management Software
Exclusive discounts to Home Depot, RentRedi, and more
$0
7 days free
$828/yr or $69/mo when billed monthly.
$390/yr or $32.5/mo when billed annually.
7 days free. Cancel anytime.
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Multi-Family and Apartment Investing
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 13 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

15,177
Posts
11,262
Votes
Joel Owens
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Canton, GA
11,262
Votes |
15,177
Posts

Water damage to unit...What would you do??

Joel Owens
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Canton, GA
ModeratorPosted

So my mom rents a 1 bedroom of a 6 unit building.She is on the ground floor.My mom is older so the size is manageable for her.

3 days ago she calls me.Apparently the ceiling in the den in back is leaking.I go over to take a look.The leak is right in the center of the room above a ceiling fan.I immediately turn off the power for the breaker switch to the back.

My mom calls the landlord and apparently the tenant upstairs washer implodes or leaks etc. and water is all over their floor.The landlord says he has stopped the leak but that it's 1 a.m. in the morning and he can't run the shop vac until the next day because of the other tenants.

So over the last 3 days the landlord hasn't even came by my mom's apartment.I took digital pictures of the damage and we tarped the floor and furniture and have 2 buckets to catch the water.Even though the leak has stopped (according to him) it is still dripping slowly into the buckets.Half the ceiling I would say in the back about 3 4 by 8 sheets are sagging and some parts have fallen down and the insulation is exposed.

I told my mom that the ceiling fan will have to come down,the electrical wiring inspected,the ceiling areas with damaged pulled down,and the insulation taken out.The area will have to dry and then put back insulation,drywall,new ceiling fan and finish.

I am watching this guy like a hawk to make sure he doesn't rig it.This has happened in some of his other buildings with a pipe leak and he let it "dry" out and rigged it.The other tenants complained of being sick and having mold in the unit and moved out.

This guy has another business and self manages about 20 units.

I am concerned for my mothers safety.The last thing older people need is mold and mildew issues for their lungs.He will repair in the correct way.If he does not I will have no choice but to take to court as my mom's health is paramount.

I ma hoping he will do the right thing as he has in the past.

I can't get over the fact it's been 3 days since the incident and he still has not fixed it or checked the electrical.If this was my building I would handle it immediately.

Just wanting to get others take on this and what you would do.The buildings are 20 years old but in a nice,safe area and my mom likes her neighbors.

business profile image
NNN Invest
5.0 stars
3 Reviews

Most Popular Reply

Account Closed
  • Full-Time Investor
  • Charlotte, NC
1,562
Votes |
2,280
Posts
Account Closed
  • Full-Time Investor
  • Charlotte, NC
Replied

exactly roy..the actual leak really isn't his fault...i had a tenant's washing machine bust on me and it was expensive, even though it was no fault of my own..it seems being the landlord automatically makes you at fault these days unfortunately, and the tenants are quick to jump to the mold claim...of course,the landlord needs to fix this, but i dont think anyone shoudl be throwing the book at him just yet

Loading replies...