Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities When Your Unit is Flooded
A flooded unit can quickly turn life upside down—whether it’s caused by a burst pipe, heavy storms, or a neighbouring unit’s leak. For tenants, landlords, and unit owners alike, flood damage in a shared building presents unique legal and practical challenges. Who’s responsible? Who pays for repairs? And how do you protect your rights while restoring your property safely and quickly?
At Reztor, we specialise in water damage restoration across strata and apartment complexes in Australia. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the key steps, legal obligations, and support available when your unit is flooded.
Common Causes of a Flooded Unit
Flooding in units is more common than many realise. These are typical causes:
- Burst or leaking pipes inside your unit or above
- Stormwater ingress through roof spaces or windows
- Overflowing sinks, toilets, or bathtubs
- Appliance failures, like washing machines or dishwashers
- Neighbouring unit leaks that spread into your walls or ceilings
Whether the source of water is internal or external will affect who’s responsible for cleanup and costs—particularly in strata-managed buildings.
Tenant vs Landlord vs Strata: Who Is Responsible?
In the case of a flooded unit, responsibility is shared depending on the cause and who owns the affected areas:
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants are generally responsible for:
- Reporting flooding or leaks immediately
- Protecting personal belongings from further damage
- Arranging contents insurance to cover personal items
Tenants should never attempt major repairs themselves. Instead, notify the landlord or property manager immediately.
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords are responsible for:
- Repairs to fixtures, fittings, flooring, and appliances that they’ve provided
- Ensuring the property is in a liveable, safe condition
- Coordinating with insurance or trades where needed
If the cause of flooding is due to property maintenance neglect (e.g. a leaky pipe), the landlord may be liable for damages.
Strata Responsibilities
For strata or body corporate-managed buildings, the strata committee usually:
- Covers repair to common property (e.g. pipes in shared walls, roofing, or exterior leaks)
- Arranges building insurance to cover shared structures
- Coordinates trades for repairs in common areas
Clear communication between tenant, landlord, and strata is essential for timely resolution.
Insurance & Claims for Flooded Units
Handling a flooded unit often involves multiple insurance policies:
- Contents Insurance – Covers personal belongings for tenants and owners
- Landlord Insurance – Covers rental income loss and fixed fittings
- Strata Building Insurance – Covers building structure, common walls, and shared infrastructure
When flooding occurs, take the following steps:
- Photograph all damage thoroughly
- Report the incident to your landlord or strata manager immediately
- Contact your insurer with documentation
- Call Reztor to begin urgent water extraction and drying to prevent further damage
Our team at Reztor can assist by providing detailed reports, moisture mapping, and insurer-ready quotes to support your claim.
Safety & Restoration Steps After a Flood
A flooded unit poses health and safety risks, especially in enclosed spaces. Professional water damage services are crucial for:
- Rapid water extraction using commercial pumps
- Dehumidifying carpets, walls, and subflooring
- Preventing mould growth through antimicrobial treatment
- Repairing damaged materials including drywall, cabinetry, and flooring
- Restoring electrical safety through certified trades
At Reztor, we offer 24/7 emergency response for apartments and units across Queensland and New South Wales.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Act Fast, and Trust Reztor
A flooded unit can be stressful—but knowing your rights, who’s responsible, and how to act quickly can minimise long-term costs and disruptions. Whether you’re a tenant, landlord, or strata manager, Reztor is here to help with rapid, professional water damage restoration tailored for unit living.
Call Reztor on 1800 739 867 for immediate assistance and expert advice.