DILEMMA - DE Vacant Property Next Door w/ Water Leak

[Cassandra Sifford]

HAPPY FRIDAY BP Fam!!!  I'm wrapping up with renovating my 1st investment property in New Castle, DE.  My contractor was going to install the vinyl plank flooring, but called today to let me know that there was water sitting on the concrete sub-floor.  It looks like the water is coming from the shared wall with the vacant property next door.  I was interested in purchasing the property so I started some research on locating the owner (found his name on the NCC parcel site).  I've looked in the condensation covered windows and noticed mold covers about two feet up on the walls and the ceiling above the stairs has fallen down.  Hanging on the front door knob is also a water shut off notice stating there is a bill of about $1500.  I spoke with the neighbor on the other side and she advised that no one has lived there for over 5 years.  I was going to send him a yellow letter to inquire about purchasing the property, but this is a more pressing matter.  

Does anyone have any thoughts on how I should handle the situation?  I'm a bit of a risk taker and was going to go to another property that is listed under his name and ask the tenant for his phone number.  I was also going to call the county with the concern, but I never expect someone to do their job in a timely manner smh  Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

Enjoy your day ... Cassandra

[Troy Sheets]

Is this a roof leak or domestic water leak? If it's a roof leak, that's a tough one and there's not likely a quick solution other than getting the city involved or buying the house. 

If it's a domestic water line leak, in Philadelphia we have shutoffs at the curb in the sidewalk. You need what's called a curb key to do it, it's a 4-6 foot long metal rod with a notched end that turns the valve in the sidewalk on or off. If you have a similar setup where you can access the shutoff from outside, that would be step one. 

Of course you can call the city/water dept and see if they'll help. Sometimes city departments are surprisingly helpful. Not often, but once in while you get a real gem on the phone and they're able to assist. I wonder if the fire dept would come out and open up the house to shut off the water inside? Worst case, maybe a back door is unlocked and someone was able to shut it off from inside (yes it's illegal but it wouldn't stop me, try this at your own risk!)? Let us know what you work out, I'm curious!