The possibility of flooding an apartment with neighbors from above is perhaps the most common problem of residents of multi-storey buildings. A leaking tap, a damaged washing machine or dishwasher, damaged or worn utilities are just a short list of the causes of the trouble. Not everyone knows how to behave in such cases, whom to call for help, how to document the damage and where to file a lawsuit against careless neighbors. The recommendations below will help to avoid mistakes and get money for damaged things and repairs.
How to minimize damage?
When an apartment is flooded by neighbors from the top floor, first of all, you need to pull yourself together, do not scream or panic, act wisely and decisively:
- Disconnect the room. This is done with the help of a special button or a lever located in the electrical panel (for someone it is on the landing, for someone in the apartment). When the walls get wet, moisture will get on the wiring, which can lead to a short circuit, damage to electrical appliances and even death.
- Stop the water supply. First you need to climb to the neighbors from above and ask to block the crane. If there are no residents at home or no one lives in the apartment, you should immediately contact the dispatcher of the Criminal Code, which serves the house. The dispatcher will send an emergency crew that will block the water. Often, residents of high-rise buildings themselves know where the valve is located, with which you can stop the flow of water. In an extreme situation, you can use this knowledge, the main thing is not to damage the communication.
- Save things. The water is shut off, and now we must make every effort to save things left dry. If possible, move furniture, bedding, household appliances to another room or to the staircase. This minimizes damage.
After emergency assistance is provided to the injured property, you can wait for the emergency team from the Daewoo to arrive if it has not arrived by this time. And also on the day of flooding, they call a household or a representative of the Housing Office. This must be done even if the neighbors vow to pay damages.
Where to write and whom to call?
If the flood occurred on a weekend or holiday, and the neighbors were not at home, you should not postpone the trip to the housing office until Monday. It is better to immediately refer the statement, which is written in duplicate. One marked “accepted” is kept at home.
In order to receive full compensation of damage in the future, it will be useful to photograph or take traces of the flood on the camera. The shooting can be accompanied by comments, which indicate the value of the damaged property. Well, if during the inspection of the flooded apartment witnesses will be present. Their testimonies and signatures will help win the case in court proceedings.
When drawing up the act on the inspection of the premises affected by the flood, not only witnesses should be present, but also the culprit of the accident, if installed. The neighbor’s refusal to examine the incident should be reflected in the act.
In addition to the generally accepted circular data (name of the victim, address, time of the accident), the act describes in detail all traces of the effects of water: fallen wallpaper, swollen ceiling, swollen parquet, and so on. The act with the assessment of the damage is drawn up by the employees of the management company within 12 hours after the incident.
How to get compensation for damage?
There are two ways to resolve a dispute for damages from flooding an apartment - peacefully or through legal proceedings.
In peaceful way
It happens that the neighbors from the top floor completely agree that the cause of the flood is their own carelessness or malfunctioning of the plumbing in the apartment, and they promise to compensate the damage caused. Peacefully resolving a problem is always a priority for the affected party. The main thing is to agree on how the reimbursement will take place (with money, repairs, purchase of new furniture) and fix all agreements on paper.
Through the court
If you can’t solve the problem peacefully, you will have to go to court. In this case, you need to prepare for a long process that will last more than one month. The main nuisance is that it is not allowed to repair the apartment before a court decides.
In preparation for the trial, an independent examination will be required - this is a paid service. It is necessary to call the appraiser as soon as possible, better - on the day of flooding or at least within two days. Such services are provided by special organizations, of which there are many today. All actions of the expert are held officially, with the conclusion of the contract, the signing of acts and the issuance of receipts. The neighbor who flooded the apartment must be notified in writing of the forthcoming independent examination.
Damage caused to the homeowner by flooding the apartment with neighbors from above must be compensated. Well, if it was possible to agree peacefully and the culprit of the accident immediately paid the required amount. Then you can at least the next day begin to repair or purchase new furniture. Much worse if you have to solve the problem through the courts. However, in this case, it is possible to return your money. The main thing is to correctly assess losses and correctly draw up documents.