How much should I ask for?

By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics and access other forums reserved for members. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today by clicking here.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:15 pm

Last night as I was eating my Easter supper, water came pouring through my kitchen ceiling. The upstairs neighbors had a slight problem with their dishwasher and garbage disposal. This morning I am still doing clean up of the mess. I have to toss out all of my spices. Eeek!

I think I should be compensated by my apartment managers but not sure how much to ask for. Is asking for $150.00 off my rent too much? What do you think? Your opinions are valued.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:40 pm

Take pictures, lots of pictures to show how bad it was. Just make a list of damaged goods and find out what the replacement value is. Throw in some emotional value and start dealing with him. The person who caused the damage that is, if the cause is bad maintenance then your landlord is responsible else the people upstairs should pay up. Hard case to prove anything if they don't want to comply, but with the pictures and your list of damaged goods you can take it to court if you want to.
A happy Easter anyway Smile

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:41 pm

Invite the manager over to see the damage, and let him/her tell you what they will do, THEN suggest what you think would be fair.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:42 pm

Compensated for what?

If you are talking about a payment to cover the cost of repair or replacement of damaged items then just work out the actual cost.
I guess that you haven't been greatly inconvenienced and that this wasn't a major flood of biblical proportions or you would have mentioned that.

Or, guessing that you live in an area where compensation culture is the norm, you could sue for millions.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:24 pm

I'd say the same as BB just did, but I'd add some dough for my time spent cleaning and shopping for the new stuff. I value my time a bit too, so it can be pricey.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:32 pm

Well, my apt flooded last year due to a water leak in the apt above me and everything was ruined, mattresses, chairs, table, appliances, everything! and apparently i didn't read my lease close enough and it said in there that the apt was in no way responsible for any damages incurred by water leaks/flooding, fire, etc. needless to say, i moved out... so i would check your lease before proposing they pay for something...

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:45 pm

Where's BRUIN when you need him?

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:21 pm

I would assume the apartment manager will take care of the necessary repairs to your apartment.... so how about just turning in the cost of your damaged goods on your renter's insurance (you do have it, right)?

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:06 pm

bearkat419 wrote:

I would assume the apartment manager will take care of the necessary repairs

My wife and I were nice guys and assumed the same thing when the apartment above ours was renovated. Mini flood trashed some stuff and stained the ceiling. Plaster work in the bathroom got cracked. Uh couple of other minor things too.

Anyway it's now about two years later and the repairs have been added to my Honeydo list. Rolling Eyes

And no, we never got paid.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:19 pm

Well after spending the day with cleaning people and repair people I am exhausted to say the least. The upstairs neighbors dishwasher's pipe broke and that is why I had dirty yucky smelly brown water everywhere. Yes, I do have renter's insurance however the damages didn't reach my deductable of $250.00. So the apartment managers are going to take $200.00 off my next month's rent even though there is a clause in my lease that says they are not responsible. It seems the neighbors had reported the problem last month and the managers didn't fix the problem correctly. So after listing all my damages, clean up costs and repairs I feel satisfied with the $200.00 off my next month's rent. The upstairs neighbors got $300.00 off their rent.

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:44 pm

It sounds like you have it taken care of. Taking $200 off of your rent is better than nothing. Very Happy

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:17 pm

Stoker Thompson wrote:

And no, we never got paid.

Well obviously if the apartment manager refuses to compensate for actual damages then further action is needed. But as the OP was talking about a situation that just happened, my reply was based on the idea of giving them a chance to do the right thing before planning a lawsuit Wink

How much should I ask for?	View next topic View previous topic