Hi All,

I own a flat in a 2 year old development. The ex managing agents (I now manage the flat) called to say a leak from my flat had damaged downstairs flat (which they manage). I received the bill for an electrician and plumber.

Is it my direct responsibility to pay for this damage, shouldn't the landlords (down stairs flat) insurance cover this eventuality?

Thanks

Bevan I believe their insurance company is responsible for paying. That is why we pay insurance at the end of the day.

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Bemo
They can ask and you can decline.

Just as if you had a car accident it always best to try to settle first without involving your insurance company. This is what the flat owner will be trying to do.

I would ask for a full report and the contact details of the electrician & plumber to verify what is in the report then make your decision. You may wish to pay or involve your insurance company. If you are involving them do not admit liability at any time otherwise the insurance may be void.

We had the same issue last year with one of our flats, its unfortunate that they called in the sparky's and electricians before you could sort the problem between you.

If its a flat is the insurance not included in the service charge thusl not directly impacting your NCB anyway?

Hi Bemo,

Ignore the bill, but do send them details of your insurer. It is the downstairs flat owner's responsiblity to pay his own bills, though he may ask his insurer to claim from your insurer, and if the block is serviced and managed by the freeholder, it will be one and the same insurer.

Not clear on your definition of managing agent. Do you mean the downstairs owner's letting agent, or the managing agent for the entire block of flats? they are different entities.

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Just because you are not paranoid, it doesn't mean they are not all out to get you

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