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Garethc · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 6 Location: Stoke on Trent

Hi,
Recently girlfriends next door neighbour had an upstairs water leak that ruined the girlfriends bedroom floor, landing wall, carpet etc and soaked downstairs to an extent too which she didn't know about until she got up in the morning. ( the other side of the leaky house also had major work to be done as a result).
Now, next door rents to 2 students who knew the water was leaking in the evening, phoned landlord but no answer so they went to bed....doh...... but there you go.
Insurance was phoned who said they'd look into it then sent a letter saying that the rented property appeared to be maintained well and it was just an accident so they would be taking no action !!! suggested small claims court !!!.

Now, i'm thinking what the hell is the point in having house insurance if they dont help....... accident or not it wasn't my girlfriends fault so why should she have to claim on here own insurance with her premiums to go up if it wasn't even her fault....

Surely the insurance should fight her case without any affect on her premiums etc....... you know.....why do we pay insurance?????

Ideas please.

Thanks, Gareth

WOMBAT · Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 7 Location: BERKSHIRE

If it wasnt covered by the insurance then it must have been due to tenants negligence (how stupid are some people have they never heard of a stopcock?). Get tradesmen to give you writen quotes for the work which needs doing so you can prove how much it will cost to put right. I would take photos of the damage get some advice and send a letter before action threatening small claims, just the threat may make the landlord pay up.

Sorry not an expert but I know how your girlfriend must be feeling.

Garethc · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 6 Location: Stoke on Trent

Hi,
Well, she has done to landlord but landlord insisted he showed tenants where water stopcock was etc but it looks like it didn't sink in coz they chineese but what the hell, so he's off the hook, only option seems to be to take chinky students to small claims court but it aint worth the hassle for plastering etc assuming they actually have any money so really, so girlfriend thinks is waste of time.......personally i think it all sucks and would liken it to it happening to my house.........I wouldn't be a happy chappy.

Cheers