paid for water damage, but turns out was not my fault - help to get money back?

[julian1968]

Hello all

 

I am not sure I can be helped here but any advice would be great please.

 

I am a shareholder/leaseholder of a flat in a block of seven. The ltd company is limited by shares and right now has just one director. who's flat is directly beneath mine.

 

In January 2013, while my flat had been empty for a month or two while I was working away, there was a leak which damaged the ceiling below and the cost of repairs came in at around £1,500 which I paid from my own pocket.

 

A month or so later, it emerged that the damage may well not have been caused by my flat but as a result of issues with the fabric of the building and so, had this been known at the time, the director should have made an insurance claim and I would not have been involved.

 

I have contacted the director several times in a polite way to explain the above and have asked for the details of the insurance company at the time. (It is now another insurance company) so I could make a claim direct. Or that he refund me the monies I paid him.

 

He had responded to none of my letters or emails and not collected 3 recorded delivery letters.

 

I feel I should maybe make a claim via small claims but am unsure if this is the best step, and if there is an alternative?

 

Could someone lend a hand please?

 

Thanks

[raydetinu]

You have to be sure of your facts before taking this to court.

All the relevant details and timelines etc.

What you thought the cause was and what was repaired to stop the leak and the details of what you think the cause is now, with evidence and a specialist or professional report.

[julian1968]

Thanks Ray