Damaged property due to a roof leak

Damaged property due to a roof leak

Albuquerque, NM · Member since 2015 · 3 posts · 0 votes
Hi Bigger Pockets, I have an issue that I hope someone can help with because I am new to investing. I have a commercial building that a new tenant moved in and in the first week she said there was a roof leak. I called someone to patch it and he was unsuccessfully after several attempts. I finally replace the whole roof. The tenant is stating that she has damage and her renters insurance won't cover it because it's my fault due to the room. Does anyone have any experience with issues like this. I am fairly new to BP so I feel bad asking for a favor when I haven't contributed anything to the cause.
0Reply
0 views

4 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    9y

    That's why you (and she) has insurance. My guess is she's only talked to her insurance, rather than filing an actual claim, and they discouraged her from filing (as insurance companies usually do). Renter's insurance is purposely made to protect your stuff from things that may be your fault, or someone else's fault. That's why you have renter's insurance. 

    I would tell her she needs to file a claim on her insurance first. If you are truly responsible, they will pay her and abrogate against your insurance company for repayment. If she won't file on her insurance, then she is SOL. 

    Skyline Properties
    View Page
  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    9y

    Read your lease.....it should state you are not responsible for contents and that the tenant should have their own insurance.

  • Albuquerque, NM · Member since 2015 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    9y
    Thanks, Wayne and JD. that's what I thought but self doubt took over. I owe you guys. If there is ever anything I can do for you please don't hesitate.
  • Full time investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2013 · 405 posts · 312 votes
    9y

    Regardless of what is in the lease, I always go above and beyond for my tenants.  Since this is a new tenant, I would offer to pay her deductible.  How much was damaged?  

    You also need to find a new roofer!  Whenever I have a roof leak on a commercial building my first inclination is to replace the roof.  I refuse to have my tenants deal with a leaking roof.  Usually my roofer talks some sense into me and explains that he can fix it without replacing the entire roof.  

    I know you are new but one of the greatest things I've done is build great relationships with:

    Roofer - I no longer require estimates, just go out and fix or replace

    Licensed plumber - has a master key to all my properties

    Licensed Electricians - make sure they have a bucket truck

    Old School licensed Electrician - For properties over 100 years old

    Insurance guy - one call to give him the address and one more call to let him know when I am closing

    Law firm for litigation, lawsuits, contracts and contesting property values

    Asphalt company

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.