Guide
Who calls the insurer in a rental
Quick answer
Tenants, landlords, and HOAs often have different policies. Calling the wrong line first wastes a day while water is still moving.
Three possible policies
A sudden leak in a rental can touch the tenant’s renters policy (contents), the landlord’s dwelling policy (building), and sometimes an HOA master policy (common lines or a unit above). The person who lives in the unit is usually the one who can photograph contents. The person who owns the building is usually the one who can authorize demolition of cabinets or walls.
Call building management and your own insurer
If you are the tenant, tell the landlord or on-site manager immediately and document that notice. Then call your own renters carrier if your belongings are wet. Do not assume the building policy will replace your clothes or electronics.
If you are the landlord, the tenant’s photos still help, but the claim for building materials is typically yours to open.
What not to wait on
Safety shutoffs and extraction do not wait for a coverage decision. Standing water and electricity are a life-safety issue first. Mitigation vendors will still want a responsible party for the work.
This site does not pick a policy
Lease language, HOA documents, and the two (or three) policies control. We publish educational ranges and checklists only.