my apartment below, has a leak on the ceiling but

[Eli Ling]

The apartment below mine reported a ceiling leak. I’ve thoroughly checked my unit, and there is no sign of a leak coming from my apartment. At the time of the leak, my tenant was showering, but everything around the bathroom is sealed and in good condition.

It’s been a week now, and there have been no further leaks.

However, the owner of the apartment below is still asking me to repair their ceiling. I’ve explained that I couldn’t find any leak originating from my bathroom and requested that they let me know if the leak happens again so I can investigate further.

Their response was:
"This happened on Monday, and it appears to have stopped. Since it came directly above your apartment, I can assume the leak originated from your unit unless substantial evidence proves otherwise. If you can provide this, please do so. Also, can you let me know when my bathroom ceiling will be repaired?"

am i being too sesitive or my downstair neighbore is bully me?

[Greg M.]

Quote from @Eli Ling:

thank you, what do you think of this email:

I understand your concern about the ceiling leak and your assumption that it might be coming from my apartment.

Since we both want to resolve this issue, I suggest contacting the HOA to involve a neutral third party who can determine the actual source of the leak. This would help ensure that we take the appropriate steps to address the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future.

If it turns out that my unit is the source, I will take responsibility and address it promptly. At the same time, I believe it’s important that we approach this situation calmly and constructively, as we both share the goal of resolving it efficiently and fairly.

I did find your email to be pushing and impatient, which I didn’t appreciate. Additionally, asking me to disprove your assumption doesn’t seem logical. As for the origination of the leak, it is your responsibility to provide proof that the leak originated in my unit. It is not my requirement to prove it came from elsewhere.It would be more effective to work with the HOA to confirm the actual source of the leak, rather than requiring me to disprove an assumption.

In future For issues like this, I suggest contacting the HOA first, as they can coordinate with both of us and identify the source instead of making assumptions.and make our communication smoother.

You're making it personal and overthinking it. Don't. Also, never accept responsibility. What if it is your unit causing the water leak and there is mold and it's a $100,000 remediation that requires living elsewhere for 2 weeks while it is cleared. Hey, you accepted responsibility and I'd like to stay in a suite at the Ritz while it's done...

Dear XYZ: Since this is an issue involves HOA common area, please contact the HOA to allow them to investigate the issue. Sincerely, Eli