his year, we’ve seen more than the usual number of claims relating to water damage within co-op apartment buildings and condominiums. Failing braided steel supply line hoses (e.g. “speedi-connector” hoses), which connect the building waterline to faucets, washing machines, etc. within the apartment unit or condominium unit, and leaking hot water heaters, are the biggest culprits.
For simplicity let’s call:
◆ A co-op apartment shareholder and condo unit owner the “owner.”
◆ The apartment or condo unit the “unit.”
◆ The co-op apartment building or condo building the “building.”
When water hoses or vessels rupture, causing damage to an owner’s unit, and possibly the units of other owners, who is responsible for the water damage repairs – the building or the
owner?
