Renters or Landlords: Who's Responsible for Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the most common causes of property damage, and it is only fair to ask; who handles it? Even with coverage, only some insurance providers can cover water damage restoration. Before we get into who is responsible, we should familiarize ourselves with the different causes of water damage.

Causes of Water Damage

There are three common causes of water damage in rental properties: burst pipes, leaking fixtures, and blocked drains. We recommend scheduling regular inspections with a professional water damage repair service to detect signs of deterioration and recommend the best solution. Our highly trained technicians leverage state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the quality of water damage restoration.

Responding to Water Damage

Water ingress in rental property often goes undetected until it is too late, whether discovered by the landlord or tenant. The most effective way of dealing with water damage is responding quickly because surfaces exposed to moisture for over 24 hours are more susceptible to mold growth and structural deterioration.

Regardless of who discovers the damage, the first step should turn off the water main to cut off the supply to the property. Our well-equipped technicians help with water extraction from affected areas, allowing us to make necessary repairs that will restore your home to pre-damage condition. As a landlord or property management company, you’ll want to work with your tenants to ensure everything is handled to the nitty gritty for short- and long-term advantages.

What Are Renter’s Duties?

While every landlord has different duties, the primary goal is to provide tenants with a habitable place to live. This means ensuring the plumbing system is in tip-top condition: hot and cold running water, a working toilet, and many others. Compliance with state and local regulations provides habitable conditions for the tenants and improves the overall quality of the rental.

Are Renters Responsible for Water Damage?

Landlords usually collect a deposit when a new tenant rents the apartment or house. The security deposit is refundable and covers damages caused by the tenant. This means that the landlord or property management company is tasked with hiring a water damage restoration service and handling the paperwork. However, the tenant will only get the security deposit back if natural causes like a storm cause damage.

A professional restoration company works with the landlord, renter, and insurance company to provide quality services without breaking the bank. Contact us at Tidal Wave Restoration and schedule an appointment with our representatives. We guarantee quality services at competitive market rates.