My toilet flooded and the water went to neighbors downstairs

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
Hi all, an hour or so ago my toilet overflowed and I did not notice it for 10 or so minutes. The bathroom was flooded and the surrounding carpet area. The water also went to the neighbor's apartment downstairs. The maintenance man told me that it went into their living room and bathroom.

After cleaning up for the past hour or so, I am starting to worry a bit. Am I liable for anything here? I understand it is my responsibility to make sure the toilet does not overflow but I did not notice it for 10 minutes.

I would appreciate any response. Thanks.
 

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
Yes, I have insurance. I live in a apartment complex. Just in case, I'm going to check my mail to see if my insurance is not cancelled. Appreciate the responses.
 

Rage187

Lifer
Dec 30, 2000
14,276
4
81
You don't own? Then you likely aren't responsible unless you purposely flooded it.
 

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
I used the toilet like I normally use it so I did not pay much attention to it after I flushed it. I kept hearing a low toilety noise like when it is filling up with water. It felt odd since the toilet fills up with water fast but this time it was taking longer for the noise to go away. I waited a few more minutes till checking on it and when I saw it, the bathroom was overflowing. I should be more careful from now on.
 

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
You rent? Then tough spit for the downstairs neighbors.
Coop? Prepare to bend over buddy.
 

Sho'Nuff

Diamond Member
Jul 12, 2007
6,211
121
106
You rent? Then tough spit for the downstairs neighbors.
Coop? Prepare to bend over buddy.

Basically this. If you rent, you are likely not liable unless you intentionally caused the flood. Landlord is probably on the hook for damage to the lower level apartment, however.

If you are in a condo, you are probably liable for the damage to the lower unit. Your insurance may cover it.
 
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raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
I appreciate all the responses. I do rent and I just checked that I have insurance so that is a positive thing. I do still feel terrible about the whole situation however. I live on the top-most floor (3rd) so I have to be more careful in the future. The neighbors seem like nice people so hopefully it wasn't too bad for them.

Thanks all.
 
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RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,954
408
136
[insurance fraud?]

Were your HDTV, laptop and iPad damaged during the incident?

Oh no!

[/insurance fraud?]
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,304
675
126
One of the apartments I lived in, I flushed just clear toilet water and what came back was someone else's shit.