Our apartment was flooded

[hellnawitsc]

What is the name of your state? California

So, due to a leak from the upstairs my apartment got wet. I'm a college student and so I'm at home for winter break... I just got a phone call from management telling us that due to a leak, our whole apartment got soaked.
I don't know how one leak can flood our whole apartment, but that really isn't my concern. What I'm worried about is my personal belongings. I haven't gone back so I'm not sure of the extent of the damage, but in case I would not be able to salvage some things, is there anything I can do to get money from management or my neighbors? What's the protocol in situations like this?

P.S. I almost forgot to mention. We were told my the office that we REQUIRE homeowners insurance a WEEK BEFORE we left for winter break. We were going to get it, but was in no rush so we forgot. The office told us they would not reimburse us for any personal items that got damaged since we did not have insurance... just something to consider.

 

[FarmerJ]

your LL is correct they have zero obigation to you for any loss of your personal property , You should have gotten renters ins back when you first moved in. THE only exception to this might be If the leak was due to the LLs own neglect. EVEN then its a stretch because just how are you going to prove it.

 

[ncpropmgr]

Was this leak caused by the upstairs neighbor? If so, then go after them in small claims court.

We ALL TO OFTEN hear about this...Renters insurance is SO cheap, make sure to purchase it next time.

 

[CA LL]

You needed to have renter's insurance which you can get in about FIVE MINUTES over the phone/internet even and it cost all of about $12 a month.

Sorry for your loss but now you understand WHY you NEED to have the insurance.

Pipes break and yes they DO cause flooding in downstairs units (and upstairs too). All sorts of things can cause it because stuff happens. Unless it was negligence on the part of the person upstairs or your LL (not likely) you are out of luck. AND even if it WAS you would have to PROVE that and without an insurance person fighting for you..not likely to win there either.