This sounds like the bumper bash I had some years back when both my and another car were reversing out of parking spaces and we nicked each other. I had a tiny ding at one end of my bumper - it was a very low-speed ding and I had actually stopped reversing already at the time of impact. The other car tried to claim a whole series of dings on the rear of their car were caused by the accident (this is the part that sounds the same) - absolutely no way that was consistent with what happened. I told them I wasnât discussing it with them and insurance would handle it. ( Insurance sure wasnât buying it and I even got my deductible back.)
Sounds like these people are trying blame a whole bunch of things on this - definitely let insurance handle it.
I agree that itâs a good idea to contact insurance, but I wouldnât assume everything is going to be covered by home insurance.
For the purpose of covering the claim, itâs import to distinguish between a sudden and accidental new leak vs a gradual leak that relates to the original leak 2 years ago, and has been present for months/years. The former is likely to be covered. The latter likely wonât be covered. Some insurers also require to be notified within as short as 48 hours of the water damage incident, while others may support claims as long as 30 days after water damage incident.
If it was me, Iâd first get a reliable evaluation and estimate, including evaluating whether there is mold, what damages are likely to be related to leak, and how much to repair. I expect all of above can be done at no cost. Depending on the answer, Iâd decide whether to go through insurance or not. Iâd talk with agent and get information including chance of different aspects of the damage being covered and how much future premiums would increase, before filing a claim. If the expenses are large and not well covered by either partyâs insurance, then it gets more complicated. Iâd try to find a fair resolution with neighbor, but would be ready to get attorneys involved, if this is not possible.
Thank you. I agree with your assessment, but from my standpoint, I didnât know about the leak until 2 weeks ago. I fixed it the next day. IMO, they probably could have been more proactive about it. I am going to speak with the super tomorrow to get his assessment.
I donât think the insurance is going to cover everything. They want to replace the vanity, rip out the tiles to get them replaced.
I am dealing with my own leak from my neighbor upstairs. I donât have bugs, mold or damage to my bathroom fixtures. Itâs easier for me to pay my super few hundred $ to fix my ceiling than to file a claim or deal with my neighbor.
Surely they need to contact their insurance, and their insurance can contact yours if they think itâs necessary? The damage is in their apartment, not yours
If they just moved in, did they have an inspection and did they catch any of this on the inspection? Curious as to whether that wouldâve negotiated any price differential on the sale and if they are potentially double dipping by also expecting you to pay.
These people moved in 3 years ago.
here is an updateâŠ
I met with the building super this morning. He said there is nothing wrong with the bathroom other than some minor patching work to do, and he could take care of it easily. He is going to show them today inside the wall is bone dry. He said the vanity/s veneer is peeling because of the shower.
As far as bugs in the apartment it is more due to the fact that they have boxes of stuff in the apartment. The super told me that they are running a business out of the apartment (buying and reselling stuff). They get 10+ boxes of things everyday and very likely thatâs how they got bugs.
The super pretty much said they are making a big deal out of nothing. I told him to fix what he could and I would take care of him.
My coop does not allow people conduct business in our apartments. I am sure their condo insurance is also for residential, not for commercial.
I will see what happens after they meet with the super today.
My husband is obsessive about getting cardboard boxes out of the house asap. He feels it brings in roaches.
After having family work in property management for many years I am still shocked at how many people want to try to get something for nothing. Mold can be caused by a leak in the pipe but also can be caused by poor housekeeping.
One issue with even trying to be helpful is that there is no knowing what other issues come up once the drywall or tile is removed. It could quickly escalate to $$$.