Hi, several lot owner apartments suffered water damage following a recent fire wholly within an apartment above us.  The intensity of the fire caused water pipes to rupture.  These pipes passed through common property walls and led to water running down unit interior gyprock walls, flowing into the ceiling cavity and eventually pooling on the concrete floor slab.  The owners corporation (OC) engaged a company that specialises in  ‘fire, flood & water damage restoration’ to dry out our unit in our absence.  The invoice for drying out the apartment has been forwarded to us for payment.  We understand that generally, a lot owner is responsible for carpet replacement and we are in the process of replacing carpet at our expense.

Is the OC responsible for the water leak damage even though it was a direct result of a fire wholly confined to a lot owner?
Is the OC responsible for the drying out of units due to water originating from common property?

In our case, the professional ‘drying out’ was unsuccessful in preventing damage (stains, mould) to our carpet.  Water damage also occured to orginal timber flooring, gyprock ceilings, light fittings & walls despite the professional ‘water damage restoration.’  The OC has agreed to repairs, replacement and repainting of gyprock walls & ceilings, original timber flooring, but will not pay for the professional ‘water damage restoration’ (drying out).