What's happening?

A bill or assessment arrived

Plumbing money in a shared building comes through odd doors: an assessment, a passed-on deductible, a water charge split by formula. We explain how these generally work. We can't tell you what your documents or your state's law require.

• The building wants to replace its risers. What should I ask before paying?Probably the association'sWho pays, usually: All the owners together, through reserves, a loan or assessments, because risers are usually common elements; your declaration and state law decide how your share is figured.
• What actually happens inside my unit during a riser project?Probably the association'sWho pays, usually: The association usually pays for the shared pipe, while restoring finishes, tile and upgrades depends on the contract and your declaration, so get those terms in writing before work starts.
• What does condo insurance (HO-6) do after a water leak?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: Your HO-6 commonly pays for belongings and for interior items the master policy leaves out, after your deductible, if the cause is covered; your declaration and policy wording draw the line.
• The association billed me the master policy deductible. Can it?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: That depends on your state and declaration; some rules make the deductible a shared expense, some let the board charge the unit where the damage began, and some look at fault.
• Does renters insurance cover a leak or a sewer backup?You rent: start with your landlordWho pays, usually: Your own renters policy commonly pays for your belongings after a covered loss, the landlord handles the building, and a backup or flood may need cover you added or bought separately.
• Flood, leak or sewer backup: which insurance applies in a condo?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: It follows the water's cause and path: the association's policies for building damage, your HO-6 or renters policy for your share of a leak, and flood cover only if someone bought it.
• Why is our shared water bill so high, and how do apartments split it?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: With one master meter, the building pays and recovers it through rent, condo fees or a formula; with submeters, each unit usually pays for its measured use, under rules that vary by place.
• My landlord won't fix the leak. What are my options?You rent: start with your landlordWho pays, usually: Your landlord normally pays to repair the plumbing and handles the building or association, unless you caused it; your lease and state law decide what you may do when repairs stall.