The first day in a leased space
- Immediately
- Stop the water if you can find the shutoff; in multi-tenant buildings it may be in a locked riser or another suite. Call the landlord or property manager's emergency contact.
- First hour
- Move inventory, records and electronics off the floor. Photograph everything, including the source if visible, and any damage to neighboring suites you can see.
- First few hours
- Find out who is hiring the restoration contractor: you, the landlord, or both for different parts of the space.
- End of day one
- Notify your own business insurer. Decide whether to close, open in part of the space, or operate from somewhere else.
Typical split between landlord and tenant
Your lease controls this. Read the maintenance, insurance and casualty sections; these are only common patterns.
| Often the landlord's side | Often the tenant's side |
|---|---|
| Roof, exterior walls and the building shell | Tenant improvements you paid for, such as millwork, flooring or fixtures |
| Main plumbing risers and fire sprinkler system | Inventory, equipment, furniture and records |
| Base-building drywall and ceiling grid | Lost income, under business interruption coverage if you carry it |
| The landlord's property insurance claim | Plumbing fixtures you installed, like a coffee bar sink |
Keep the business running
- Post a sign and update your online hours so customers know whether you are open.
- Keep receipts for every extra cost: temporary space, rented equipment, overtime, delivery of moved stock.
- Ask the restorer whether part of the suite can be sectioned off with containment so you can keep working.
- Find out how loud the drying equipment will be and whether it can run overnight to reduce daytime disruption.
- Back up any computers or point-of-sale equipment that were near the water before powering them up.
- Check whether any stock, like food, cosmetics or medical supplies, must be discarded if it was exposed.
Questions for the landlord or property manager
- Who is hiring the restoration contractor, and will I get copies of the moisture readings for my space?
- Does rent abate while the space is unusable, and how is that decided under the lease?
- When will the base building be dry and repaired so my contractors can rebuild my improvements?
- Was a neighboring suite the source, and has their insurer been notified?
- Does the building's fire sprinkler system need to be inspected after the repair?
Common questions
Does my business insurance cover lost income from a water leak?
Only if you carry business income or business interruption coverage, and usually only after a waiting period. Ask your agent how it is calculated and what records you will need.
Do I need a permit to rebuild after water damage in a commercial suite?
Often, especially for electrical, plumbing or wall changes. Inside town limits, ask the Town of Parker building division; your landlord may also require approval of the contractor.
General information for Parker, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.