Water damage in a Paris co-ownership: who calls the plumber?
Water damage in a co-ownership is always a stressful situation. Water dripping from the ceiling, humidity stain spreading on a wall, or sudden flooding in your apartment: the first question is often the same. Who must call the plumber? Who pays? And in what timeframe?
Understanding responsibilities in co-ownership
The first step is identifying the origin of the water damage. This determines who is responsible and who must act.
The leak comes from your apartment
If the leak comes from a pipe, appliance or installation in your apartment, you are responsible. Your home insurance will cover damages caused to your neighbours. You must call a plumber as quickly as possible to stop the leak and limit damage.
The leak comes from a common area
Riser pipes, collective pipes, roofs and facades are common areas. If the leak comes from one of these zones, the co-ownership (via the property manager) is responsible and must dispatch a plumber. Contact your property manager immediately, including outside business hours.
The leak comes from your neighbour's apartment
If the leak comes from your neighbour's apartment, ring their bell to inform them. If they are not present, contact the property manager. In both cases, document damages with photos before any cleaning.
The water damage report: an essential document
Whatever the origin of the incident, the water damage report must be completed. This document, available from your insurer, formalises responsibilities and triggers coverage by the insurances involved.
- It must be signed by all parties concerned
- It must precisely describe the origin of the leak and damages observed
- It must be sent to your insurer within five working days following discovery
Who pays for repairs?
In case of leak from a private apartment
The home insurance of the responsible party covers material damages caused to neighbours (floors, walls, furniture). Repair work in the apartment where the leak originated is the owner's responsibility (or their insurance depending on contract).
In case of leak from common areas
The co-ownership insurance covers damages in common areas and to affected co-owners. The property manager coordinates interventions and claim declarations.
Step-by-step procedures
- Step 1: Turn off water if possible to stop the leak
- Step 2: Take photos and videos before any cleaning
- Step 3: Identify the origin (your apartment, neighbour, common area)
- Step 4: Contact concerned neighbour and/or property manager
- Step 5: Call a plumber to stop the leak and establish a report
- Step 6: Complete the water damage report with concerned parties
- Step 7: Declare claim to your insurer within 5 working days
- Step 8: Keep all documents for the claim file
Role of the property manager
- Dispatch an emergency plumber if leak comes from common areas
- Coordinate claim declarations with co-ownership insurance
- Inform concerned co-owners
- Organise restoration work within reasonable timeframes
If your property manager is slow to act facing an urgent incident, you can have a plumber intervene at your expense and request reimbursement later. Keep all invoices.
Water damage and tenants
- The tenant is responsible for damages caused by lack of routine maintenance
- The owner is responsible for damages linked to wear or hidden defects
Frequently asked questions
My neighbour is absent and the leak comes from their place. What to do?
Contact your property manager immediately. In case of serious emergency, they can have the apartment opened. In parallel, call our emergency plumbing service to secure your apartment.
Can I call the plumber of my choice?
Yes, you are free to choose your plumber. If the intervention concerns common areas, the property manager may propose their usual provider, but you can require comparative quotes for important work.
How long to be compensated after water damage?
The compensation period varies between 1 and 3 months for simple cases. For complex cases requiring expertise, it can take up to 6 months.
