What Are the Causes of a Leaky Ceiling and Water Damage in an Apartment Building?

There are so many different potential causes for apartment water damage, and it’s essential for those in charge to know how to handle them. The burden of responsibility for managing the repairs typically falls upon you, the property manager. While there are unlimited scenarios in which apartment water damage exists, it’s beneficial to understand some of the leading causes and how they may affect those responsible for remediation.
Typical Causes of Apartment Water Damage It might feel like a cliché, but a forgetful tenant is a common cause of water damage in residential units. We’re all prone to human error from time to time, and a sizable portion of floods in apartments stem from people simply being a little distracted. Your tenants (probably) aren’t malicious, but the consequences of their decisions are real, nonetheless. The problem with apartments is that most often, the units are literally on top of each other, so what affects one can quickly spread to others – sometimes in a matter of minutes!
Bathrooms are absolutely ripe for flooding. It’s a familiar story: someone runs water in the bath or sink, only to end up being distracted by the comings-and-goings of life. The next thing they know, water is overflowing, and the flood spreads quickly. Likewise, a flood can originate directly from the plumbing itself and affect neighboring units. Supply lines for refrigerators, toilets, sinks, and HVACs can leak or burst if obstructions form. These pipes are positioned within walls and ceilings, and the ensuing water damage can travel quickly across support beams and conduits into other units within the apartment complex.
Even your most vigilant tenants can’t always prevent accidents from occurring. However, we always encourage property managers, landlords, and tenants to be proactive. Inspect the plumbing for structural integrity regularly. In addition, supply lines and pipes should always be cleaned and maintained to prevent the buildup of debris, which could lead to clogs. Lastly, inspect all appliances regularly, but especially check the condition of washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator hoses, connections, and fittings for potential leaks.
Who is responsible for the apartment water damage repairs?The bottom line is, it depends on the insurance coverage and provider. If the water damage results from negligence or a specific act, your tenant could bear responsibility for the costs. This may include situations where your tenant is aware that an appliance is damaged but does not fix the issue before the damage occurs. The tenant may opt to file a claim with their own insurance provider and use the funds to cover the damage. However, how quickly the tenant files their claim could become an issue, so they should be encouraged to do so immediately. Insurance providers look at everything submitted with a claim, and delayed action can be a cause for rejecting the claim. 
Likewise, you, as the landlord or property manager, would likely be responsible for fixing the damage in other instances. For example, generally speaking, if the origin of the apartment water damage is from a pipe in a neighboring unit in the ceiling, the repairs should then fall under your commercial insurance policy. The tenants are likely going to have to file a claim with their providers to cover the damages to their personal items, but they can leave the cost of repairs to the damaged ceiling to you. As always, the sooner they notify you of the damage, the better.
In most cases, the same consequences apply if we reverse the roles. If one of your tenant’s misfortune happens to cause damage to their neighbor’s property and belongings, that tenant, in conjunction with you, would likely be responsible. Again, as management, you should expect to cover the repairs for the structural damages, but only where the tenant is not at fault. Please note that it’s critical to communicate with property insurance providers right away when there is any property damage to confirm who is responsible for what. There may be multiple policies involved, and it may take some time to sort out the details. 
How can the damage be mitigated?If the damage is slight, you (or your tenant, if they are responsible for covering the damages) can call a licensed home technician to perform minor repairs. However, we recommend only going this route if the water damage is truly limited to cosmetic in scope. Professional mitigation experts should handle the consequences of anything more than ‘misplaced’ water. There might be a temptation to cut corners to save money, but the negative repercussions of hiring an individual who is not fully qualified for the job may actually end up costing more in the long run. Unaddressed issues beneath the surface can lead to long-term structural damage, deterioration, and mold, requiring reconstruction and the potential for lost rent or worse.
EE&D has earned the reputation as the “Paramedics of Property Damage.” Our technicians are certified in the latest commercial water damage restoration techniques. They’ll help identify the source and then contain the flooding, eliminate the excess moisture, and remediate and/or prevent any mold growth in the area. EE&D works with insurance companies, tenants, and property managers to coordinate communication to make the process as easy as possible for all of those involved. Apartment water damage from any leak is an issue best solved by professionals, so call your local EE&D office when your apartment building requires these services.