Water coming through your condo ceiling? Here's who handles what.

A leak from the unit above is one of the most common water problems in Treasure Coast condos, from Hutchinson Island to the riverfront buildings in Stuart and the barrier island in Vero Beach. If your unit needs drying, one free call connects you with a local restoration company.

Our phone line opens soon.

If you have water in your home right now, shut off the water, take photos, and call your insurance company. Many insurers can send a restoration company out quickly.

We're a referral service, not the company doing the work.

do this first

The first hour

Find the sourceKnock on the unit above. If no one's home, call management or maintenance to shut off water to that unit.
Protect your thingsMove furniture and electronics, and catch the drip with buckets.
Stay out from under a sagging ceilingWet drywall is heavy and can come down without warning.
Photograph everythingCeilings, walls, floors and damaged belongings, before cleanup.
Report it in writingEmail the association or manager so there's a record with a date and time.

Who usually pays for what

In most Florida condos, responsibility is split three ways. Where the lines fall depends on your condo's governing documents and on Florida's condo law, so treat this as a general picture.

The association: Its master policy generally covers the building structure and common elements, and often parts of the unit like drywall, depending on the documents.
You, the owner below: Your unit owner policy (often called an HO-6) generally covers your belongings, interior finishes like flooring and cabinets, and improvements you made.
The owner above: If their appliance, toilet or supply line failed, their policy may come into play, especially if negligence is involved.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your condo documents, your policy and your agent have the final word.

Don't wait on the paperwork to start drying

Figuring out who pays can take weeks. Mold in a wet ceiling or wall can start in 24 to 48 hours. Document first, report it, call your insurer, then get the unit dried. Keep every receipt. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop more damage.

A restoration company will take moisture readings in your ceiling, walls and floors, and those readings help document the damage for every insurer involved.

Common sources in Treasure Coast condos

Toilet supply lines
Washer hoses
Water heaters in closets
AC drain lines
Dishwasher connections
Shower pans

How this works

You call and tell us your ZIP code and what happened. We connect your call to an independent, licensed restoration company that works in your area. They come out, look at the damage, and give you a quote.

We don't do the work and we don't charge you. The company you're connected with may pay us for the referral. Any price or agreement is between you and them.

Questions people ask

The owner upstairs isn't home. What can I do?

Call the association or building management. Most buildings can shut off water to a unit or to that riser in an emergency.

Do I file with my insurance or theirs?

Many owners start with their own HO-6 insurer, who then works out responsibility with the association's and the neighbor's insurers. Ask your agent which applies to you.

Can I pick my own restoration company?

Generally yes, for your own unit. Let the association know who is coming, since buildings often have rules about contractor access and hours.