who is responsible for damages for an apartment in a multi unit development?

Responsibility for damage in a multi-unit development depends on where the damage occurs—whether it’s inside a private unit or in the common areas.

🔑 Inside the Apartment (Private Unit)

• The owner (or tenant, if responsible) is liable for any damage within their own apartment.
• This includes:
  • Flooring, fixtures, appliances, internal walls, etc.
  • Damage caused by negligence (e.g. a leaking washing machine damaging a neighbour’s ceiling).
• Tenants may be liable if they caused the damage during the tenancy—check the lease for details.

🏢 Common Areas (Managed by the OMC)

• The Owners’ Management Company (OMC) is responsible for damage in common areas, such as:
  • Hallways, lifts, external walls, roofs, lighting, car parks, gardens, etc.
• The costs of repairing these areas are usually covered through service charges paid by all owners.
• If damage is caused by a specific person (e.g. a delivery driver or guest), the OMC may pursue them or their insurer for recovery.

⚖️ Insurance Matters

• The OMC typically holds a block insurance policy that covers structural and shared elements.
• Owners should have contents insurance for personal belongings and internal furnishings.
• If the damage affects both private and common areas (e.g. a burst pipe), the source of the issue and the insurance policy will determine who pays.

In summary:

• Owners/tenants = responsible for what happens inside their unit
• OMC = responsible for the shared areas of the building

If you’re unsure, check your lease, the OMC rules, or ask your property manager for clarification.