Hello Mam,
Seeking your advice for below problem, which may be different from the usual ones which you receive.
There is an issue of water leakage in my flat which is coming directly from flat which is above us. The owner of the flat agrees with that also.
The problem is he doesn't want to get it fixed for now.
Reason being, he is blessed with kid recently and as per him doctor has advised not to let anybody inside house for a month or two.
But now the problem is that because of this our day-to-day life is getting impacted.
Due to constant dripping of water, it's very difficult to sleep in night. There is danger of slipping also (I have also little kid in the house).
If I put bucket under the same then stored water attracts mosquitoes and flies. The ceiling of flat is also getting damaged. This has been going on since 2 weeks. I tried to explain the same to him as well but no solutions till now.
The problem is in one of the bathroom of above flat and it will not take more than 2-3 hours to get it fixed but how can I persuade him?
I don't want to get in argument mode for such petty things and have a feeling of guilt. I do understand his problems but people should understand other's concerns.
So need your advice what should I do? This is creating unnecessary mental problems.

Ans: I understand how frustrating this situation is. Here’s what you can do:

Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the seepage and the damage caused.

Approach the Society/Association: If your building has a housing society or an apartment owners' association, file a complaint with them. They may mediate the issue and hold the owner of the above flat accountable for repairs.

Send a Formal Notice: Draft a legal notice to the owner of the above flat, demanding they fix the leakage or share repair costs.

Legal Action: If they remain unresponsive, you may need to consult a property lawyer and take legal steps, such as filing a case in the consumer court for negligence.

Resolving this quickly will ensure your property remains safe.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: The house you live in is over 125 years old, posing significant risks.

The upper portion is built with tiles and is more than 75 years old.

Leaks during rains and cyclones have created a hazardous situation.

The owner, who is a widow, has financial and personal constraints.

The property title is not updated in her name, complicating matters further.

Key Challenges Identified

Structural Risks

The old construction and lack of maintenance increase the risk of collapse.
Heavy rains or cyclones can worsen the situation.
Lack of Ownership Clarity

Legal ownership is unclear, complicating your ability to seek redress.
Physical Limitations

Your health and mobility constraints make action difficult.
Your wife's joint pain limits her ability to assist.
Owner’s Reluctance

The owner is unwilling to address the property’s condition.
Immediate Steps to Consider

Document the Issues

Take photographs of the damaged and leaking areas.
Keep records of dates and details of complaints made to the owner.
Consult a Structural Engineer

Request a local engineer to inspect the house.
Obtain a written report highlighting the structural risks.
Report to Local Authorities

Contact the Corporation Commissioner of your city or municipality.
Submit a formal complaint along with the engineer's report.
Explain the risks to your safety and the neighbourhood.
Seek Assistance from Neighbours

Discuss the issue with neighbours who may also face similar risks.
A joint complaint may add weight to your request.
Engaging Legal Support

Consult a Legal Expert

Seek legal advice on rights related to unsafe living conditions.
Understand if you can compel the owner to take corrective action.
File a Grievance Through Legal Channels

If the owner remains uncooperative, file a complaint in the local court.
Highlight the risks posed by the property to public safety.
Explore Tenants’ Rights

If you are considered a tenant, check your rights under local tenancy laws.
Addressing Health and Safety Concerns

Identify Alternative Housing Options

Consider temporary relocation during the monsoon or cyclone season.
Reach out to family or friends for support in finding safer accommodation.
Ensure Emergency Preparedness

Keep essential documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
Prepare an emergency evacuation plan for heavy rains or cyclones.
Leverage Community Support

Seek help from local welfare organisations or senior citizen support groups.
Addressing Financial and Ownership Issues

Advise the Owner to Rectify Ownership Documents

Suggest updating the property title to her name.
This will enable her to access loans or financial assistance for repairs.
Propose Joint Renovation Efforts

Offer to share the cost of minor repairs to address immediate risks.
Discuss this as a temporary measure until she can afford full repairs.
Explore Government Assistance

Check if your municipality offers schemes for old or unsafe buildings.
Apply for support on behalf of the owner if necessary.
Final Insights

The current condition of the house requires urgent attention to prevent a disaster.

Document the issues thoroughly and involve local authorities for a resolution.

Seek legal and structural advice to protect yourself and your family.

Address health and safety concerns proactively to reduce risks during emergencies.

By taking these steps, you can manage this challenging situation effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment