My apartment recently flooded in an accident for which I am liable, and I do not have renter's insurance. I am renting directly from an owner, rather than through a leasing office. There is substantial inflation and cracking of the floor in a few localized areas of the apartment, in addition to about $4,800 of damage in other apartments. I need advice on how best to address the situation. As I see... [more]
My apartment recently flooded in an accident for which I am liable, and I do not have renter's insurance. I am renting directly from an owner, rather than through a leasing office. There is substantial inflation and cracking of the floor in a few localized areas of the apartment, in addition to about $4,800 of damage in other apartments. I need advice on how best to address the situation. As I see it, I have three options:
1. $1,600 labor cost for a roughshod pinning down of existing wood. Assumed loss of $5,000 security deposit.
2. $2,000 wood and labor cost of fixing affected areas with a similar wood. Argue that this is satisfactory for the return of the security deposit.
3. Replace the entire floor. Cost of $8,400. Theoretically, security deposit would stay in tact.
What is the realistic viability and risk of each option? What do you recommend? If option 3 is selected, what is the risk that the owner will still absorb the security deposit (worst case scenario)?
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