Living in a flat
Leaks between flats: who is responsible?
It depends on where the leak starts, and what your lease says.
Reviewed by Mark Cunningham AssocRICS MTPI MIFSM, Leasehold Director. Last reviewed 3 October 2026.
Most leases make each leaseholder responsible for the inside of their flat, including pipes serving only that flat. The landlord or RMC is usually responsible for the structure, roof and shared pipes.
What to do
- Stop the water if you can and tell your neighbour.
- Report it to the managing agent with photos.
- Allow access for investigation; most leases require it.
Insurance
Escape of water is often covered by the buildings policy, subject to an excess. Repeated claims push premiums up for everyone, so fixing the cause matters.
How we can help
Full block managementSite staffWe provide block management across Southport, Churchtown and Kew, Birkdale and Ainsdale, Formby, Ormskirk and Aughton, Crosby and Maghull, Bootle and Litherland, Liverpool, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton and Preston, Penwortham and Longton. For the law in brief, see Know the law.General information about the law in England, not advice on a particular building.