Water damage in the flat: what to do?

In short: With water damage, every minute counts: stop the water supply, avoid electrical hazards, document the damage and inform the landlord and insurer immediately. This helps limit consequential damage such as mould.

In more detail: Depending on the cause and type of damage, different insurances are responsible. Usually the owner’s buildings insurance covers damage to the building and the tenant’s contents insurance covers damage to their belongings. Who pays ultimately depends on the cause, the contracts and the individual case.

In detail

• Stop the water: Close the affected valve or the flat’s main stopcock. It is worth knowing in advance where it is.
• Mind the electricity: If water gets near sockets or appliances, switch off the relevant circuit breaker. Do not touch wet electrical appliances or switch them back on.
• Report it: Inform the landlord or property management without delay. Tenants are obliged to report damage to the rented property, and if water is coming through the ceiling, you should also ring the neighbour upstairs.
• Document it: Take photos and videos of the damage, damaged items and the suspected cause, and note the time and sequence of events.
• Limit the damage: Soak up water, move furniture and valuables to safety and ventilate. Only dispose of damaged items after consulting the insurer.
• Insurance: Walls, floors and pipes are usually covered by the buildings insurance, furniture, clothing and appliances by the contents insurance. If you caused damage to other people’s property, your personal liability insurance may apply.
• Drying: Soaked walls and screeds often need technical drying by a specialist company, otherwise mould may develop.
• Rent: If the flat is significantly affected by the damage, a rent reduction may be possible for that period (mietminderung, richtig-lueften-und-schimmel-vermeiden, hausratversicherung).
• Prevention: Check the hoses of washing machines and dishwashers regularly, use appliances with leak protection and turn off the supply when away for a long time.