Pipe Burst in an Apartment – A Guide for Both Tenants and Landlords

So many things can go wrong in an apartment. If it’s not one thing, it’s another, right? One common thing, unfortunately is when there is a pipe burst in an apartment. The cold winter months is a possible cause for it, since freezing pipes is one of the main culprits for the problem. No matter how it happens, it doesn’t hurt to go over some basics of what to do and questions to get answered if it does happen.

We need to hop into motion if something like this happens in our apartments. As the best Boston property managers out there, we pride ourselves on acting quickly if any disasters like that come up. So yes, we know what to do. Here is an overview of the kinds of things both tenants and landlords should know if there is a pipe burst in an apartment and they need to jump into action. In this article we will go over the following:

• Basics to Dealing with a Pipe Burst in an Apartment – We will cover the basics of what to know.
• FAQ – Then we will briefly answer some frequently asked questions that people tend to ask in these situations.
• Why Not Hire a Property Management Company to Help? – And finally, we will touch on how having the right property management company ready to go when these things happen can become a real lifesaver for you.

Basics to Dealing with a Pipe Burst in an Apartment

Pipes bursting in an apartment is one of those things you hope never happens. But hey, it happens… and it can turn into chaos pretty fast. Water damage spreads quickly, repairs aren’t cheap. It helps to know some straightforward stuff things you can do immediately when this all goes down. Here’s a breakdown of what each side should focus on when dealing with a pipe burst in an apartment.

For Tenants

• Shut off the water if you can – If the shut-off valve is accessible, turning it off right away can certainly do a lot… namely, minimize the damage. Don’t wait around if you know where it is and can safely get to it.
• Call your landlord immediately – The faster your landlord knows, the quicker they can send in maintenance or a plumber. Leave a voicemail and send a text or email for backup.
• Protect your stuff – Move furniture, clothes, or valuables away from the water. Snap some quick photos too—it helps if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
• Stay safe – Avoid walking through pooled water if there are outlets or electrical cords nearby. Safety comes first before worrying about belongings.

For Landlords

• Dispatch help right away – Getting a plumber or maintenance team on-site as quickly as possible is key. Every hour counts when it comes to preventing bigger damage.
• Communicate with your tenant – Keep your tenant updated on who’s coming, when, and what’s being done. Clear communication makes a stressful situation a little easier.
• Document everything – Take photos of the damage and keep records of repair costs. You’ll want that information handy for insurance purposes or future reference.
• Check for long-term issues – Even after repairs, inspect the unit for mold, structural damage, or lingering water issues. Taking care of these right away avoids bigger headaches later.

FAQ

Why does a pipe burst?

Pipes usually burst because of pressure building up where it shouldn’t. In cold climates, water freezing and ultimately making a frozen pipe is the classic culprit… ice expands, pressure rises, and suddenly the pipe cracks. But it can also happen from old pipes wearing out, clogs that create too much pressure, or even poor installation. Basically, if the system’s stressed, sooner or later it gives out.

Who pays for a pipe burst in an apartment?

Most of the time, landlords are responsible for repairing the actual pipe and any damage to the structure since that falls under property maintenance. Tenants are usually expected to cover their own belongings through renters insurance if they get damaged. There can be gray areas if the tenant’s negligence caused the issue, but generally landlords handle big repair bills.

How much does it cost to fix a pipe burst in an apartment?

The cost can vary a ton depending on where the pipe is and how bad the damage gets. A quick fix to a small section might be a couple hundred dollars, while a major burst inside walls or ceilings can run into the thousands once you add in water damage restoration. For apartments, landlords should be ready for higher costs if multiple units are affected.

Why Not Hire a Property Management Company to Help?

Hiring a qualified property manager can instantaneously relieve a lot of the stress. They immediately know what to do and who to call. Bay Property Management Group is the area’s fastest-growing rental property management company in Back Bay and Boston areas, as well as Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, and elsewhere.

Contact Us Today! 

Our team of experts helps protect your investment property through thorough tenant screening, inspections, preventative and emergency maintenance, and so much more. So give us a call today to learn more. Learn why full-service property management may be right for you.