Upstairs neighbors flooded my apartment and property management is ignoring me

tenant rightsproperty managementapartment flood
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John_DIY
Joined:
12.05.2024
Posts: 1445
Topic Starter
20.02.2025 01:29
My upstairs neighbor's washing machine hose burst last Tuesday while I was at work, and the water completely ruined my living room ceiling and hardwood floors. I reported it immediately to the building management, but they are dragging their feet and acting like it's not their problem to deal with. Meanwhile, there's a strong smell of mildew starting and parts of the drywall are literally caving in. I've sent three emails and called the front desk twice with no real response. What are my next steps here? Should I contact my renter's insurance first or get a lawyer involved?
10 replies in this topic
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Hub_K
Joined:
22.10.2020
Posts: 109
28.02.2025 23:07
Call your renter's insurance immediately! They will go after the landlord's insurance for you, which is way faster than you trying to do it alone.
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Nico_N
Joined:
08.05.2021
Posts: 2215
12.03.2025 04:57
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the first comment. My insurance company handled everything and even paid for a hotel while my place was being dried out.
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camilo
Joined:
11.04.2024
Posts: 95
08.09.2025 08:31
Take tons of photos and videos right now before the mold gets worse or property management tries to cover anything up.
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agata_k
Joined:
14.03.2024
Posts: 1827
11.10.2025 06:47
In reply to a previous post
Yeah, what @photo_guy said. Document literally everything. Also, send all future communication in writing, no more phone calls.
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Lara_N
Joined:
05.04.2021
Posts: 2069
25.10.2025 19:30
If drywall is caving in, that's a major health hazard. Call your local code enforcement or health department ASAP.
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Expert_11
Joined:
20.01.2025
Posts: 2358
02.12.2025 01:55
Property management is probably hoping you'll just give up. Don't let them.
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Max_D
Joined:
23.01.2025
Posts: 387
09.01.2026 04:23
Honestly, at this point, consulting a tenant rights lawyer might be worth the initial consultation fee just to scare management into action.
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Chris_K
Joined:
16.11.2020
Posts: 1959
22.01.2026 03:46
In reply to a previous post
I tried getting a lawyer for a similar issue and it cost me way more than it was worth. Insurance is definitely the better first step.
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JustAsking
Joined:
03.02.2021
Posts: 2500
14.03.2026 20:02
Make sure you check your lease agreement regarding water damage and emergency maintenance policies.
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Steve_W
Joined:
17.09.2022
Posts: 649
08.04.2026 19:28
Good luck OP, dealing with property management is an absolute nightmare.

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