I received a letter saying that I have to raise a claim from the liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) to pay for the water damage or I have to pay the expenses in cash in case if I don’t have liability insurance.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the liability insurance and neither of my roommates have it.
The problem was: the drain pipe in the shower was broken and the water travels through the walls underneath our apartment and affected the ceilings of the shower who lives underneath.
However, the Hausmeister had replaced the pipe with an old one (which he already have) and now the leakage stopped. I also asked the people living in the apartment under our’s and they are now having no problem….
After receiving the letter, I went to the Büro of the Hausverwaltung and asked about the appropriate costs it would take just have have idea because we don’t have the insurance…we are still awaiting for their reply since they said they’ll send another letter which contains approximate costs….
To be honest, I am pretty sure that the drain pipe was broken due to wear and tear and none of us have intentionally broke it….then how will I be liable for this mishap?
Also, I read that by German law, if the wear and tear is the problem, then it should be owner’s responsibility to get it repaired….. only when tenants neglect complaining about it will make us liable…..
Nevertheless, I don’t have liability insurance to raise the claim as they gave time until 2nd of January which is also a bit concerning as Christmas is nearing and have no chance to take any action from my end…..
Can anyone advise what to do now? Thanks in advance
by DryCheesecake1376