What if the water leakage from the unit above yours affects you? And what if your water leakage problem at home is affecting your neighbours downstairs? Here are the ways you can address these scenarios.
Water leaks coming from your upstairs neighbour’s unit can be a big complication and a costly problem, especially if you live in a condominium or apartment building. Not only does it invade your personal space, but it can also cause serious damage to your property. In a worst-case scenario, dealing with inter-floor water leakage issues in your home can be even more complex if it’s affecting the unit downstairs since you also need to consider the impact on your neighbour.
When you have inter-floor water leakage, it’s crucial to figure out who’s responsible and find an amicable solution. In this article, we’ll explore the complications of dealing with inter-floor leakage and practical solutions to navigate this challenging situation and protect both your property and your relationship with your neighbour.
Case Study
Homeowner discovers bathroom water leakage caused by neighbor but faces refusal to cover repair costs. Source
In a recent incident on June 28, 2023, homeowner Lisa discovered water leakage and yellowish spots on her bathroom ceiling, indicating a probable leak from her upstairs neighbour’s bathroom. Despite Lisa’s efforts to address the issue by informing the neighbour, they have adamantly refused to repair the leakage spot and offered various excuses. This situation has left Lisa frustrated with her neighbour’s lack of responsibility.
Seeking a resolution, Lisa reached out to property management expert Mr. Zhang Wei Yue for guidance and assistance. Here are the key steps and recommendations outlined by Mr Zhang:
My upstairs neighbour has a water leakage problem that is affecting my unit. What should I do?
Step 1
Notify the management office immediately and report the inter-floor water leakage problem. Request an immediate inspection and ask for a Certificate of Inspection to document the issue.
Step 2
Complete Form 28: Fill out Form 28, which is an official notification to your upstairs neighbour about their responsibility to repair the leak. Ensure that you successfully deliver the form to the neighbour whose unit has a water leakage problem.
Step 3
Failure to address water leakage issues in a unit after receiving Form 28 can result in the owner of the unit being legally responsible. Under the Strata Management Act 2013, there is a statutory presumption that inter-floor leakage originates from the upper floor unit unless proven otherwise by its owner. The owner of the affected area must grant access for inspection within 7 days as mandated by law.
My unit is the source of the water leakage problem. What should I do?
Here are the steps you can take if your condo unit is experiencing a water leakage issue that is affecting your neighbours downstairs:
1. Keep photographs and videos of the water leakage.
Ensure to capture photos and videos of the water leakage in your unit when you encounter a water leakage problem. It is vital to visually document the problem, as this evidence serves multiple purposes in effectively resolving the situation.
2. Contact your condo or apartment’s management office.
As soon as you notice the water leak, get in touch with your condo or apartment management office promptly. Report the water leak, providing all necessary details including its location and severity. The management will offer guidance on the next steps you should take and may dispatch maintenance personnel or arrange for repairs – depending on their policy.
3. Get professional assistance.
If you are unable to identify the source of the leak on your own, consider seeking professional assistance from plumbers or building inspectors. These experts can conduct a thorough assessment to accurately determine the origin of the leakage.
Why is it important to have good waterproofing for your property?
If you’re living or planning to live in your condominium unit, the advantages are obvious – waterproofing your unit keeps your home dry and clean, free from water leakage damages like warping of paint, peeling of wallpaper, and infestation of mould and mildew, not to mention protecting yourself from the hassles of facing conflict with your neighbours if the water leakage affects them.
For condo unit owners who plan to rent out their units, ensuring tenant satisfaction and comfort is of utmost importance. And one significant factor that greatly affects tenant satisfaction is using effective waterproofing methods that are safe, effective, and hassle-free.
1. Protection against water damage.
Making sure that your condominium unit is properly waterproofed is essential to keep it safe and dry for occupants – whether it is your family, your tenants, or yourself. Water leaks in from the outer walls or foundation due to weathering can lead to serious problems like mould growth and damage to the building’s structural integrity. By investing in good waterproofing, you create a protective barrier that stops water from getting inside, keeping furniture and other belongings safe while securing your peace of mind. Taking proactive steps to waterproof your property also helps to avoid costly repairs in the long run.
2. Save on water leakage renovation costs for years.
Dealing with constant water leakage problems can be a real pain to deal with for homeowners and especially frustrating for those who rent out their condominium unit. The thought of a never-ending cycle of hiring contractors, coordinating with tenants and homeowners, and spending money on repairs can be really stressful for those who are managing the unit without the help of an assistant. However, you can completely avoid these troubles by being proactive – starting with choosing a trusted company to waterproof your home. Alternately, regular maintenance and inspections can help spot and fix potential leaks before they turn into major problems. Make a habit of checking for leaks, promptly fixing plumbing problems, and waterproofing vulnerable areas – these can save you from expensive renovations and makeovers that result from water leakage damage.
3. Protecting the health of the occupants at home.
Home is meant to be a place for individuals and families to feel safe and rejuvenated in peace. Thus, proper waterproofing plays a vital role in ensuring that your condominium unit functions as the ideal home! Waterproofing your unit helps stop the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause breathing problems and allergies. By keeping moisture out, you are reducing allergens in the unit and making the indoor environment healthier, cleaner, fresher, and more pleasant to live in. Waterproofing also keeps your property’s structure strong and safe, preventing any potential hazards that creep into your home over the years.
Conclusion
To sum it up, inter-floor water leakage can be a major disaster for condominium owners, draining your sinking fund and potentially causing disputes between neighbours and the management office. Now that we’ve established the importance of waterproofing your condominium unit, consider Nano-G Nanotechnology Waterproofing – a hospital-grade waterproofing technology renowned for its safe, hazard-free, no-hacking method to prevent and overcome water leakage problems in homes and buildings.
By protecting your property with effective waterproofing such as Nano-G, rest assured that water leakage problems and their financial burdens are no longer a concern.
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