How To Create A Water Damage Program

We represented a co-op building that had a number of leaks within a short period of time. Each was caused by shareholders and caused significant water damage to other apartments and common areas of the building. We met with the board and evaluated what steps could be taken to reduce the leaks and to create greater legal requirements to protect the building and its shareholders. Merely submitting insurance claims to the carriers of the cooperative and hoping they would cover the losses was not a viable option.

We also met with the building's managing agent and engineer to see if there were conditions that contributed to the frequency of the leaks. As a result of the inspections, the engineer suggested annual inspections and maintenance of certain plumbing pipes and fixtures that, under the proprietary lease, were the responsibility of the shareholders. They included checking visible piping in bathrooms and kitchens as well as toilet gaskets, inspecting caulking in