Coming home to a flooded unit can be a nightmare. Whether caused by a burst pipe, overflowing balcony, or a neighbour’s negligence, flood damage in apartments or units brings added complexity compared to standalone homes. Questions quickly arise: Who is responsible for repairs? Who pays for the damage? What should you do first?
At Reztor, we specialise in water damage restoration and have helped countless Australians navigate the aftermath of flooding in units and strata-managed properties. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your rights, responsibilities, and recovery options when facing a flooded unit.
Who Is Responsible When a Unit Is Flooded?
Responsibility can depend on the source of the flooding and the boundaries outlined in your strata plan or tenancy agreement.
Common causes and typical responsibilities:
- Burst pipe in a common wall: Usually the Body Corporate’s responsibility
- Leaking appliance (e.g., washing machine) in your unit: Typically the unit owner or tenant’s responsibility
- Water ingress from another unit (e.g. bathroom leak): Usually the neighbouring unit owner is liable
- Stormwater entering through windows/balconies: May be a shared responsibility, depending on whether these areas are private or common property
If you’re renting, landlords are typically responsible for structural repairs, while tenants must report damage quickly and may be responsible for personal belongings or preventable issues.
What to Do Immediately After Discovering a Flooded Unit
- Ensure Safety First
Turn off the electricity (if safe to do so) and avoid walking through standing water. - Contact Emergency Restoration Experts
Call Reztor immediately on 1800 739 867. We offer 24/7 flood response services across Australia and can begin extracting water and drying your property right away. - Notify Strata or Property Manager
Provide written notice of the incident as early as possible, including details of the damage and photos if available. - Document Everything
Take clear photographs and keep a record of all communication, quotes, receipts, and damage assessments. - Contact Your Insurer
Lodge a claim with your home and contents insurer. The Body Corporate may also have strata insurance that covers certain areas.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Australian property law recognises your right to a safe and habitable living environment. That means:
- Tenants can request urgent repairs and may be entitled to compensation for uninhabitable conditions.
- Owners can claim damages caused by another unit if negligence is proven.
- Strata schemes must maintain and repair common property under legislation like the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) or equivalent in your state.
Check your local tenancy laws and strata by-laws to know where you stand. If disputes arise, the relevant Civil and Administrative Tribunal (e.g. NCAT or VCAT) may help resolve them.
Why Wet Carpet Drying and Professional Restoration Matters
A common mistake after minor flooding is assuming your unit will dry on its own. Unfortunately, moisture trapped under carpet, floorboards, or within walls can lead to:
- Mould growth
- Rotten subflooring
- Odours
- Long-term structural issues
That’s why Reztor offers professional wet carpet drying, moisture detection, mould prevention, and full restoration for flooded units. We ensure your home is thoroughly dried, safe to occupy, and restored to pre-damage condition.
Reztor’s Services for Flooded Units
- ? 24/7 Emergency Flood Response
- ? Moisture Detection & Assessment
- ? Wet Carpet & Structural Drying
- ? Mould Remediation
- ? Insurance Reporting & Documentation Support
- ? Full-Scale Restoration Works
We work directly with strata managers, landlords, tenants, and insurance providers to ensure a seamless recovery.
Conclusion
When a flooded unit disrupts your life, it’s vital to know your rights, act quickly, and engage the right professionals. Reztor is here to guide you through every step—from emergency response to complete restoration—so you can focus on getting back to normal.
Call Reztor on 1800 739 867 or visit https://reztor.com.au to get fast, expert help when you need it most.
