Hi all,
First home buyer here.
A few days ago, an apartment two levels above me completely flooded their apartment by leaving a tap running an entire day which caused ceiling damage three levels, with common areas and 7 private lots damaged.
I originally asked my building manager if the apartment's building insurance will cover the repairs needed to my ceiling (it is water damaged with bubbles/leaking holes/sagging) and they said they cannot answer as the insurance is for common areas only.
I escalated to the strata manager and they said that I need to speak to the insurance company themselves as they are in no position to give me an answer, and it 'may' be covered. I then spoke to a representative of the insurance company to also to be told they are not allowed to answer any questions and all my queries need to go through the strata manager.
Now I'm stuck in an endless loop and I'm not too sure how to proceed. The apartment that caused the flood are international renters who has just gone overseas a day after the damage was done. The building manager won't give me the property agent details to speak to them due to 'privacy reasons'. Other unit owners also getting the same treatment.
I was under the assumption that ceilings are considered as part of common property in a strata and would be covered as this was the case in the old apartment I was renting in. I am currently running industrial dehumidifiers and blowers to dry the place out to prevent mold. Is there a reason on why no one can give us an answer and will engaging a lawyer be the best next step? This is currently eating into my finances due to call outs, seeking temporary accommodation and renting emergencg equipment.