Question: We recently purchased a unit with original floorboards. They are on joists, not floating. When we lifted one of the floorboards, we discovered it was water damaged. Does the strata insurance cover this?
Answer: In this case, the strata insurance policy is the appropriate policy to claim against, however….
If the floorboards are not floating—meaning it is not flooring that is held in place by its own weight and perimeter skirting—then they are considered permanent flooring. Permanent flooring is typically glued or nailed to the subfloor. In this case, the strata insurance policy is the appropriate policy to claim against.
However, whether the damage is covered will depend on the cause. In order to be claimable, most strata policies require water damage to be sudden and accidental. Common exclusions include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and long-term exposure to moisture. If the damage has developed slowly over time, it may not be covered under the strata policy.
For further insights into water damage claims and how insurers assess these situations, you may find the LookUpStrata Water Damage Webinar helpful. Click here to watch.
Tyrone Shandiman
Strata Insurance Solutions
E: tshandiman@iaa.net.au
P: 1300 554 165
This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. Shandit Pty Ltd T/as Strata Insurance Solutions strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information in this document, but should obtain appropriate professional advice based on their own personal circumstances. Shandit Pty Ltd T/As Strata Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 404246) of Insurance Advisenent Australia AFSL No 240549, ABN 15 003 886 687.
unit owner above flexi pipe burst and flood the room and leaked down to my unit and damaged the ceiling and walls and carpet, what pays – unit owner above or my contents insurance or body corp insurance
Hi Wayne
This video should assist: NAT WEBINAR: Water Damage Insurance Claims
I was a little puzzled by your answer to this problem.
Surely the water has come through the floor between the units. Isn’t the floor common property, even in an older unit? If so, then I’m surprised that you haven’t mentioned the obvious role of intervention by the Owners’ Corporation.
An initial approach by the downstairs owner / resident is courteous and may resolve the issue. If it doesn’t then the OC (or its Strata Managing Agent) should be investigating and taking action. Step 1, get a plumber to confirm that the leakage isn’t a broken water reticulation pipe (possibly common property), but is coming from the unit above, then (2) take steps to rectify once the source is verified.
If the OC hasn’t done those steps, then it is unlikely that the Tribunal would make an order against the offending unit.
Or have I missed something in the problem described?