Leaks and Water Damage Claims
Water ingress from a leaking roof, pipes, or faulty guttering can cause severe damage to your home and belongings. Your landlord has a duty to fix it.
Start Your ClaimWhat is a Water Leak Claim?
A water leak claim arises when your landlord fails to repair a fault that allows water to enter or escape within your property, causing damage. This covers a wide range of issues, from a single missing roof tile to a persistent leak from a bathroom pipe. These leaks can lead to damp, mould, damaged plaster, ruined decorations, and can even compromise the building's structural integrity if left unchecked.
Protects Your Home & Health
Your Landlord's Legal Duty
Maintaining the Exterior
Your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the roof, walls, windows, and external pipes in good repair. They are also responsible for the installations that supply water, such as internal pipes, sinks, baths, and toilets. Once you have notified them of a leak, they must act reasonably to stop it and repair any damage caused.
Claiming for Damage and Distress
A successful water damage claim can provide compensation for your losses and force your landlord to make things right.
Compensation for Losses
This covers the cost of replacing or repairing damaged belongings, including furniture, carpets, electronics, and clothing.
Order for Full Repairs
A legal order compelling your landlord to fix the source of the leak and repair any resulting damage to the property itself.
What Evidence Should You Keep?
A well-documented case is a strong case. Be sure to gather:
- Dated Photos/Videos of the leak & damage
- Written Communication with your landlord
- A List of Damaged Items with values
- Any Reports from plumbers or builders
Leaks & Water Damage FAQs
This depends on the severity. A major, uncontrollable leak is an emergency that requires an immediate response (within 24 hours). For smaller, contained leaks, a landlord should still act within a few days to prevent further damage.
It can be more complex, but your landlord still has a duty of care. They should take reasonable steps to resolve the issue with the other flat's owner or landlord. If the leak comes from a common area (like communal pipes), the building's freeholder is usually responsible, and your landlord should pursue them.
Yes. A landlord's duty to repair includes making good any damage caused by the repair itself. This means they are responsible for tasks like re-plastering and redecorating the areas affected by the water damage and the repair work.
While contents insurance is always recommended, you do not need it to make a disrepair claim against your landlord. Your claim is for their negligence in failing to repair the property, and this is separate from any insurance policy you may have.
Yes, you can still make a housing disrepair claim for up to six years after you have moved out of the property, provided you have the evidence to support your case from the time you were living there.
Ready to End Your Housing Disrepair Nightmare?
Our friendly team is ready to provide a free, no-obligation assessment of your case. Take the first step towards a safe, healthy home and the compensation you deserve.
Start Your Free Assessment Today