Shower leak floor damage: Who pays the strata insurance excess and repair costs?

Firstly, there is no time limitation on making a claim under strata which covers “sudden & accidental damage” – but there is a time limit on claiming under builders warranty which covers rectification of building defects and faulty workmanship.

Repairs associated with finding and fixing the membrane are therefore not covered. This can include removal of tiles and applying a membrane.

The only portion that may have some prospect of success is resultant water damage but in instances where the damage has happened over a prolonged period of time getting a claim paid can be frivolous as the policy covers “sudden & accidental” damage.

With regard to who is responsible for the excess, it is generally a matter between the owners corporation and lot owners to determine who is responsible – for claims effecting 1 lot only it is usually paid for by the lot owner unless the owners corporation decides it is fair in the circumstances for the body corporate to bear the cost.

For matters that are not covered by insurance, the owner is responsible for any repairs inside their lot.

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 and the specific coverage afforded under their policy wording. Shandit Pty Ltd T/As Strata Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 404246) of Insurance Advisernet Australia AFSL No 240549, ABN 15 003 886 687.