Recurrent leaks from flat upstairs

[Ldawg]

The flat I rent out has suffered from recurrent leaks from upstairs since I purchased it, 4 leaks in 4 years. It's caused me to lose one tenant already. I feel like there is no incentive for the owner upstairs to sort the problem (check the plumbing etc) as the cost is always covered by insurance and they're never really inconvenienced like I am. It always seems to be a new issue.

The problem is usually sorted fairly quickly by the management company. I am also now concerned about the structural integrity of the ceiling.

I obviously don't want to cause an issue with the owners (I believe the property is let out too) but this is an unreasonable number of leaks.

Any advice welcome! Thanks

[JK0]

Presumably it's not the tenants upstairs causing the leaks, is it?

I certainly would be causing an issue with the owners.

[Ldawg]

Over the last FOUR years (!) we have had ongoing leak issues from the flat above, we've probably had 5 leaks during this time. In February they got a leak detection company out who found no active leak but that the floor was saturated. They recommended leaving it to dry out. Over the past few months the ceiling in my property has only got worse so nothing seems to be drying.

Where do we go now? Can I start with legal action? How do I find a legal team? I feel like it doesn't bother the people upstairs so there is no incentive for them to get it sorted. The management company are acting as the go between and in the latest email were going to chase the landlord to follow up. Useless. I just don't know what to do. Our tenants are moving out and in it's current state we won't be in a position to get new ones in or sell (which I would LOVE to do right now!!).

Thanks for any help!

[Hudson01]

Are the management company paying for all the damage via the blocks buildings insurance or is this down to you ? Given how long it has gone on i think you will need to take individual legal action against the landlord of the flat above, what else is there is they have no incentive to fix anything. This is effectively making the flat un-rentable and un-saleable. If the floor above you a concrete one or is it something else ?

[Ldawg]

Thanks for your response.

All costs are being covered by the management company. So currently I'm not actually losing out so I'm not really sure what I'm claiming for! More just the stress of it all. And the potential loss of earning and making unrentable/saleable as you say. Yes the floor above is concrete.

I really need to discuss with a legal team but I have no idea where I even begin with finding one as I'm not really sure what I'm even asking for!

[JK0]

Do you have insurance for the contents? Maybe there is loss of rent cover included there.