Water Damage in a Rented Flat in the Limmattal: Who Pays – and What to Do?

Water damage in a rented flat quickly causes stress: water is running, the floor is wet, and the big question is – who actually pays for this? In this guide you will learn what to do immediately, who covers the costs and when to call our emergency plumber in the Limmattal.

Immediate steps: what to do first

In acute water damage, every minute counts. Proceed in this order:

1. Close the main valve – stop the water at the main tap, usually in the basement or bathroom.
2. Switch off the electricity – if water reaches sockets or appliances, switch off the fuse in the affected area.
3. Soak up the water – secure furniture and valuables and remove standing water where it is safe to do so.
4. Inform your landlord – report the damage to your property management or landlord immediately.
5. Call the emergency service – for a burst pipe or larger damage, call the 24/7 emergency plumber.

Tip: Take photos of the damage before you clean up. This helps later with the insurance.

Who pays for the water damage?

This depends on the cause and on what was damaged:

• Damage to the building (walls, floors, pipes): usually covered by the owner’s building insurance.
• Damage to your belongings (furniture, electronics, carpets): covered by your household insurance.
• You caused the damage through gross negligence (e.g. running a washing machine unattended with a faulty hose): the insurer may reduce its payout.

Important: as a tenant you are not automatically liable. As long as you did not cause the damage through gross negligence, you are usually on the safe side.

When you should call the emergency service

Call a 24/7 emergency service immediately if:

• Water is escaping uncontrollably from a pipe (burst pipe).
• The water cannot be stopped by closing the main valve.
• Water threatens to spread to other flats or floors.

Across Zürich and the entire Limmattal we are usually on site within 45 minutes. We stop the damage, dry professionally and prevent secondary damage such as mould.

Avoiding mould: why fast drying matters

If residual moisture remains in walls or floors, mould forms within a few days. Professional building drying ensures the moisture fully escapes – protecting your health and avoiding expensive follow-up costs. Learn more on our plumbing service page.

We are here for you in an emergency

Water damage can rarely be planned – but you can be sure that fast help is just one call away. Our 24/7 emergency service operates across the entire Limmattal, whether in Dietikon, Schlieren, Urdorf or Zürich.

When the water is running, every minute counts – call us and we will take care of it.