› Flat Chat Strata Forum › Common Property › Dispute over strata plumber bill. › Current Page
It is a tricky situation.
From the OC’s or other owner’s point of view it can appear that the water leak originated from somewhere on common property. So the OC or other owner called a plumber to investigate. But the leak was eventually traced to another owner’s dishwasher.
There’s no doubt that the owner of the dishwasher is responsible for the leak. And that owner would also be liable for any damage the leak caused to another’s property (common property or another owner’s property). That damage would include a plumber’s costs for investigating the leak. So the OC is correct to send you the bill. You can refuse to pay it or try to claim it on your contents insurance under its liability cover. If you refuse to pay, the OC can try to recover their costs as a common law claim against someone who has damaged another’s property.
I’d be interested to know other opinions.