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Just been told that the lady above my flat has found dry rot in kitchen floor. Not noticed anything in mine but sounds expensive. Not been able to dig out my lease to check details, but in general who is responsible for paying to fix? Her, both of us, or the entire stairwell?
Be a bit miffed if I end up having to pay half the costs if its a result of a leak in her kitchen, as I hear these things aren't cheap to fix.
Buildings insurance? Then let the insurance companies squabble.
Not been able to dig out my lease to check details, but in general who is responsible for paying to fix?
I reckon there is a document that has that sort of info in it 😉
Does insurance cover this kind of thing usually ? I assumed there would be small print exclusions
Does insurance cover this kind of thing usually?
If it isn't the fault of poor maintenance by you, it should do. If you do find dry rot, check your policy.
An insurance policy won’t cover dry rot - if there is a buildings insurance policy out there that does then let me know as I’ll buy 10.
Dry rot can only really be down to maintenance (in the loosest sense but still a maintenance issue). Same as a leaking roof isn’t covered unless as a result of recent storm damage.
i would imagine with a flat, unless they’re freehold, then it’ll be a communal expense? If freehold best seek legal advice - it’ll be in a document somewhere.
That makes sense.. So unlikely she will be covered but I might be. Will await the surveyor report and give the insurance Co a call
If its dry rot caused by a slowly slowly drippy drippy leak, then its whats known as a 'gradually operating cause', which, to cut to the chase, will be a chuck out in insurance terms.
Harsh if I wasn't aware of the issue as its not visible in my flat.. But I can well believe that is the case.
Hopefully it's been caught quick enough and won't cost thousands..
Leaseholder Advisory Service can advise. https://www.lease-advice.org/
There's free advice on phone or contact form. Have had a helpful response from an enquiry before.
Flats - if owned, there is something about what you own or not above/below your property and is your responsibility, but can't remember what. Lease may, or may not make it clear. Not sure mine says much about it. Old lease and mainly goes on about not shaking dust out of the windows!
All I can say is be prepared for a right rollicking rollercoaster of a rectal ravishing.
Wife's aunt had dry rot in her building, it's not something that is static and needs careful stripping (from what I gather asbestos like tenting and handling) lest the spores spread to healthy timber. Insurance sorted it but the upheaval was absolute as you can imagine. Everything got fully decorated and sorted in the end. Well, till the pipe burst at any rate. She sold up.
Point being either way unless it's very confined you are in for a rough ride in the worst case. I find things better when working from low expectations...
Your lease will specify who is responsible for what. If the dry rot (or whatever) is due to a lack of maintenance by the freeholder or a leaseholder (such as a leaking roof or pipe) then they should be held responsible for the resultant damage. Look at your lease, then consult a knowledgeable surveyor or solicitor. I am not an expert etc........