Help! Contractor flooded house, advice please!

[Elaine Dea]

Seeking advice on tough situation:

I have a rental property in Las Vegas, currently vacated as lease ended. In July 2024, a contractor was draining the pool into kitchen drain, but the drain clogged and flooded kitchen while no one was home. The contractor had left and didn't monitory drainage. There is significant water damage in the kitchen and also mold (possibly from over time, but not sure). PM has tried to work with pool contractor, but with no solution. Pool contractor is silent and does not return calls. Not quite sure PM is handling the situation with expertise either. 

1. What are the steps I should take to remediate?

2. Should I undergo water mitigation and mold remediation immediately prior to filing insurance? What to beware of when working with water mitigation company?

3. Who should be liable in this case? Pool contractor, but no insurance and disappeared. PM? or should I file a claim with my own landlord ./ homeowners insurance?

4. Do I need an attorney?

ANY help would be appreciated. First time landlord and learning on the fly! :)

[Chris Seveney]

@Elaine Dea

Who hired the pool contractor? If it was your PM then they should have gotten an insurance certificate from the pool contractor and should contact their insurance company.

If you hired them then you should have gotten an insurance certificate prior. If not then you may need to get legal involved but You should also contact your insurance company as well

As a rule of thumb, never drain water into a home. So whether it’s roof drains a pool or whatever it is, never bring water into your home as nothing good can come from it.