Insurance Claim - water leak from upstairs flat.

Question

I had a leak in my bathroom from the upstairs property - the property is run by a management company who take of things such as this and put it through their insurance company. This leak occurred about 5 months ago.

The person in charge of the management company has received the quotes and should now have sent them to the insurance company. Only problem is I can not get any word from the management company as to where I stand at the moment and what progress has been made. I basically want to know if I am within my rights to get my ceiling sorted out myself and reclaim from the management company or wait. (I have threatened this in a recent letter to the management company).

Any help would be great.

Thanks

Answer 1

go to your local magistrates court,,,0930 ish,,,and see the magistrates clerk with a view to making a claim thru the small claims court(under £5,000)dont sort it yourself(watch them jump when they receive a summons)you could sort it yourself and then spend some years receiving recompense,,insurance like payments but not paying out,,,watch them squirm and make sure you get inconvience money to compensate you for the hassle

Answer 2

If you're renting, tell them to fix it or you're moving -- sometimes it's just a matter of the squeaky wheel getting the oil.  If they value you as a tenant, they'll fix it - if they don't, it gives you a valid reason to break your lease with a bad landlord.

If you own your flat, I'm surprised you've let it drag on this long.  Notify them in writing, by certified letter, that they have a week to repair the damage to your home, or you'll sue for damages.  If they don't fix the problem immediately, have it fixed, and take them to small claims court (assuming the repairs will be under the small claims limit for your state - most states are in the $3-5k range for a maximum claim).  

Answer 3

  Jeffe has some good advice..I wouldn t have it repaired though unless it s a serious health issue..If you rent notify them you are putting the  rent money into escrow until such time the repair is done to your satisfaction.  GL

Answer 4

I think a call to the Citizens Advice Bureau would be advantageous to you they will be able to tell you what your rights are.  I think 5 months is plenty long enough to wait for a new ceiling.  Failing that threaten the Management Company with legal action, you can instruct a solicitor to send them a letter this doesn't cost very much.