Water leakage to bathroom ceiling downstairs

We are renting an apartment. There was water leakage to the bathroom ceiling of our downstairs apartment and water was dripping through light fixtures. When the water was dripping, our bathroom has been checked and it was dry at that time. But they are assuming that we are spraying water on the floor which we are not. A contractor ran our shower for a few minutes and checked the ceiling downstairs but water didn't go to the ceiling downstairs, after that he said that there is no leak in the pipe. It's important to mention that there were some damages on the vinyl flooring of our bathroom floor before we moved in, can it play some role in water leakage downstairs? What are the next steps, should be taken to find the source? If no source is found, can our landlord held us responsible saying "tenant misuse"?

6 Answers

Thoroughly test the water installations first step .
16th Jan 2024
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homeDoctor
0 Reviews
Firstly a picture should have been taken of the damage to the vinyl flooring either before you signed the tenancy or as soon as you noticed it upon moving in and the landlord should have been notified this would have covered you bearing any responsibility however if you sign a form and it did not state any damage to the vinyl flooring then you could very well be held responsible as there is no proof the damage was present before you moved in!! As for the water leakage yes any holes rips in the flooring will allow water to seap downstairs this could be from your body after showing bathing ect really the flooring should be sealed in your bathroom and the vinyl replaced as it's a major health and safety risk electrics and water don't mix well unfortunately but I would go further than just replacing the vinyl actually sealing the floor to stop any water getting into the void between the downstairs ceiling and your bathroom floor even if the vinyl becomes damaged I think just vinyl flooring as the only form of water leakage prevention is not good enought and that is down to your landlord to sort out so regardless of the damage to the vinyl the landlord still bears overall responsibility to fix this issue properly cutting corners here will be costly one day new ceiling replastering damaged electrics new lighting so sealing the floor now and maybe laying floor tiles is the way to go here I would suggest
29th Jan 2024
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Phillips Building Contractors
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
The existing damages on the vinyl flooring may contribute to the water leakage issue, and it's crucial to address it promptly. The next steps should involve thorough inspection and, if necessary, repairs to both the flooring and potential sources of water leakage.

1. Document the Damages: Take clear pictures of the existing damages on the vinyl flooring and any other areas that might be relevant. This can serve as evidence of pre-existing conditions.

2. Communication with Landlord: Report the issue to your landlord immediately, providing details of the situation and the steps you've taken so far. Keep a record of all communications.

3. Professional Inspection: Request a professional inspection by a qualified plumber or contractor to identify and fix any potential sources of water leakage. This should include a comprehensive examination of pipes, seals, and the bathroom structure.

4. Preventive Measures: If no specific source is found, consider preventive measures like sealing gaps, ensuring proper ventilation, and promptly reporting any issues that may arise in the future.

5. Document Repairs: If repairs are conducted, document the process with photos and keep any invoices or receipts. This helps establish that you took responsible action.

Regarding your concern about being held responsible, if there's evidence that the leakage is due to a pre-existing issue or structural problem, you may not be held accountable. However, it's essential to communicate openly with your landlord and follow the necessary steps to address the situation promptly. If conflicts arise, seeking advice from local tenant rights organisations or legal professionals could be beneficial.
26th Jan 2024
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Handyman
17 Reviews, 88% Positive
Hello, I think the problem is the silicone around it, when the bathtub is working due to the weight it cracks. It's a simple solution. thank you.
12th Feb 2024
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Yes, splashes need to be controled, the vynil needs to have silicone around it. Still, most of the times the seals are worn out, the drain leaks occasionally, etc.
6th Mar 2024
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It could be that the sealant around the shower has failed, and if you have highlighted it to the landlord or letting agent you cannot be held responsible
4th Mar 2024
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