BEFORE THE FLOOD

1. Clearly define maintenance responsibilities in your Rules & Regulations, AND adopt a written water damage & mold policy.

2. Adopt rules regarding angle stop valves and supply lines that:

• require that all angle-stops be heavy-duty brass or stainless steel with quarter-turn ball valves and Teflon seats
• require all supply lines be high-grade braided stainless steel
• include standards for washing machine valves and hoses, dishwasher hoses, and ice-maker lines

3. Adopt rule regarding payment of the insurance deductible.

4. Amend CC&Rs to:

• clearly assign maintenance responsibilities
• add mitigation provisions
• require owner insurance
• address insurance deductible
• clarify who and what is covered
• add exculpatory language for simple negligence

DURING THE FLOOD

1. Immediately fix the leak to prevent further damage. Take pictures of the damage and the cause of the damage, both of which will be valuable for determining who pays for the damage.

2. Call an emergency restoration company to clean-up the water. Worry about liability issues later. Dry damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. Take pictures.

3. Make sure the company dries out wall and ceiling cavities. Take pictures.

AFTER THE FLOOD

1. Notify the association's insurance carrier.

2. Call legal counsel (depending on the size of the leak).

ASSISTANCE: If you need assistance, contact us for a review of your association's water damage and mold policies, architectural standards, and CC&R insurance provisions.