Water leak, advice please!

[sydney134]

I am the leaseholder of a flat in a building (of 3 flats) managed by a company. The guy who lives in the flat downstairs (also a leaseholder of his flat) just showed me a large damp patch/stain on their wall which is potentially caused by a leak from my bathroom. There is no visible leak from the inside of my flat. Is the managing company responsible for this or am I? :confused:

any advice is very much appreciated!!

[jeffrey]

The block insurance policy should cover the damage, anyway- so refer the problem to the insurer for it to confirm.

[JK0]

I would not ignore it if I were you, or you may find yourself asked to contribute to repair cost.

Run a bath, and take your bath panel off. Pull the plug out, and then I bet you see where the water is coming from. Also try running the shower if you have one.

[Gordon999]

1. Check the silicone sealant material between your bath edge and the wall is intact (no cracks )

2. Check base of hot water storage copper tank for any leakage ( and hand feel any carpet under the tank..

[leaseholdanswers]

You are responsible for leaks from pipework or installations in your flat/your responsiblity under the lease, as well as consequential damage.

Most insurance policies include "trace and access" if as already posted the diy investigations* reveals no sources. Ask your agent if it does.They may then with a contractor, but are not obligated to do so.
It is usual that you pay for the repair and any excess, but the insurer pays for the consequential damage ( if an insured peril**).

If the leak is coming from a service pipe which is communal and not your responsiblity under the lease, then the agent wouid resolve it as agent
for the freeholder, asa cost ot teh service charge. It is not "their" responsibility.

*&** note that a common issue is that even though the floor/walls are tiled, that does not means it is a wet room and waterproof. Use in this way is often uninsured.