Water damage from flat above

Landlord Discussion
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I have a ground floor flat which is in a detached building with 3 other flats. I had an incident where water was pouring through into my kitchen below. This due to the landlord of the above property not maintaining and inspecting his plumbing. This has happened not once but 4 times and on each time the landlord has told me he is not liable because there is ‘no contract’ between us’ I had to pay for an electrician to check for safety. At one time water was overflowing out it the header tank overflow outside over a period of time as it was not immediately obvious to my tenants. Again he said he was not responsible for same reasons and quoted examples from different court hearings to prove this.

I have tried to seek advice from various lawyers/ attorneys/citizens advice but nothing. I even just asked my insurers what to do and fell into a trap of what they thought was a claim so when it came to renew they told me they wouldn’t insure me because of water damage to the ceiling. To make matters worse I only know the landlords Christian name and is mobile number (no address or surname). He has caused me such grief and stress by being so arrogant. Please someone help me what do with this?

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@Stephen61

you can find the owner of any property through the Land Registry for a small fee

Check the building insurance [get a copy from the freeholder]

if you have clear documented evidence that the leak came from flat above [not from communal pipes etc] then you can potentially sue for damages in the small claims court, It’s just the same as any dispute between neighbours.

“Under UK law, every property owner has a duty not to cause damage to neighbouring properties. If water from your neighbour’s home is leaking into yours – whether from a burst pipe, poorly maintained gutters, or faulty drains – they may be legally responsible for the damage caused.”

Get legal advice. See advice at this link

Leaks & Water Damage From a Neighbour’s Property | Contend Legal

good luck

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If neither solicitors nor insurers are advising you to try to seek redress from the other flat owner, I’m not sure what you’re hoping for from the forum. I assume you just dont have enough evidence of negligence to sue him?

I dont think the Council would even help you unless you can persuade his tenant to make the complaint.

Who owns the freehold? What’s their position on this?

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