Water Damage in a Rental: Landlord & Tenant Guide
When water damage hits a rental, the first question is usually who handles what. Here's a plain-English guide for both sides.
General information, not legal advice. Your lease and Georgia law control the details. Talk to an attorney or your insurer about specific situations.
Tenants: what to do first
- Stop the water if you canClose the valve under the sink or toilet, or the main shutoff.
- Tell the landlord immediatelyCall, then follow up in writing (text or email) with photos and the time.
- Protect your belongingsMove them out of harm's way and photograph anything damaged.
- Call your renters insuranceYour belongings are usually covered by your policy, not the landlord's.
Landlords: what to do first
- Respond quicklyDelays make damage, mold and disputes worse.
- Get a plumber and a restoration company outFix the source and start drying the same day if possible.
- Document everythingPhotos, moisture logs, invoices and communication with the tenant.
- Notify your landlord policyIt typically covers the building, not the tenant's belongings.
Who usually covers what
| Item | Typically covered by |
|---|---|
| Building: walls, floors, cabinets, plumbing | Landlord's policy |
| Tenant's furniture, clothes, electronics | Tenant's renters insurance |
| Temporary housing while unit is repaired | Often renters insurance ("loss of use"); check the lease and policies |
| Damage caused by tenant negligence | May fall on the tenant or their liability coverage |
Mold in rentals
Water damage that isn't dried quickly often becomes a mold problem, one of the most common rental disputes. Professional drying with documented moisture readings protects both the tenant's health and the landlord's property.
Local pages: Carrollton (with landlord tips) · Carrollton mold · Kennesaw
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment is unlivable from water damage?
That depends on your lease and Georgia law. Talk to your landlord in writing and consider getting legal advice before withholding rent.
Can a landlord charge a tenant for water damage?
If the tenant caused it through negligence (for example, leaving a tub running), possibly. Normal plumbing failures are usually the landlord's responsibility.
Water in your home? Get a local pro on the way.
Call and we'll connect you with an independent local water damage restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and many local companies answer around the clock.