Ameridry Blog Who Pays for Water Damage in a Condominium?

Anytime your home is flooded, you face inconvenience and property damage. But if you live in a condo, you may have another party to pay for some of the damages. According to a Florida statute put into effect 1/1/09, the condominium association that manages your building has responsibilities to pay for specific water damage.What Does a Florida Condo Association Usually Pay For?Section 718.111(11)(f) and (j) of the Florida Statute about condominiums specifies that:The Condominium Association must carry coverage that will restore damage that results from "insurable events" such as a burst pipe or storm damage, when there was no negligence by the owner. Aside from common areas, the statutes make the Association responsible for some damage to drywall. In some Association contracts, owners of individual units can be responsible for any cost to repair damage to interior walls.The Condominium Association has no responsibility for personal property in individual units or in certain common areas. This includes carpeting, flooring, electrical fixtures, appliances, window treatments, and more.The Condominium Association is not responsible in case of owner negligence or neglect. Some condominiums specify that owners are automatically negligent if:You have not replaced your water heater after 10 years or your dishwasher after 14 yearsYou fail to use steel lined washing machine hosesYou do not contract for air-conditioning maintenanceYou fail to turn off the main water valve if you will be away from the property for 48 hours or moreWhat is missing from the statutes is reference to who pays for drying out your waterlogged condominium. Some condominium associations split the cost of hiring professional water restoration companies like AmeriDry.