Plumbing answers for condos and apartments
Start with what's going on, or with whose problem you think it is. 43 common questions from owners and renters, each with a who-pays line at the top.
What's happening?
Whose problem is it?
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Water came through my condo ceiling from upstairs. Who pays?Who pays, usually: Often several parties share it. Your own unit policy is the usual first call, and the source, any negligence, your declaration and state law decide what shifts to a neighbor or the association.
How do I find out which pipes are mine?Who pays, usually: Your declaration usually decides, with state law filling gaps in some states; pipes serving several units are often the association's, while lines serving one unit vary widely from building to building.
Why is my water pressure so weak on an upper floor?Who pays, usually: The association or landlord, when every upper floor is weak, because pumps, tanks and risers tend to be shared. A problem confined to one fixture in your unit is a different matter.
Where are the water shutoffs in my unit?Who pays, usually: Small valves serving your fixtures often fall to the owner, or to the landlord in a rental; valves on risers or serving others are usually the association's or building's, though documents vary.
The building wants to replace its risers. What should I ask before paying?Who pays, usually: All the owners together, through reserves, a loan or assessments, because risers are usually common elements; your declaration and state law decide how your share is figured.
I rent, and water came through the ceiling. Who pays for my things?Who pays, usually: Your own renters insurance usually pays for your belongings, because a landlord's policy doesn't cover them. The landlord generally handles the building, under your lease and state law.
Sewage came up into my tub. What now?Who pays, usually: The association or building usually handles a blocked shared stack. Cleanup inside your unit may fall to the owner, landlord or an insurer, depending on the declaration, lease, cause and your policy's sewer backup terms.
What does condo insurance (HO-6) do after a water leak?Who pays, usually: Your HO-6 commonly pays for belongings and for interior items the master policy leaves out, after your deductible, if the cause is covered; your declaration and policy wording draw the line.