Who Is Responsible For Water Pipes In A Condo? (Find Out Now!)

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

When you buy a condo, it’s often because you want to have “apartment living” without the issue of not building equity. Condos offer the best of both worlds. Or at least, that’s what it may seem. You will have to step up on the repairs that you make, but what does that mean for the plumbing in your condo unit?

The plumbing issue depends on the location of the pipes. If the pipes are inside your unit (such as a leaky faucet), then it is usually the tenant’s responsibility to fix it. On the other hand, if the pipes are in a common area, such as right outside the unit or a main pipe, it’s the condo’s responsibility to fix.

It’s actually really difficult to figure out where the responsibility shifts from the owner to the HOA in many cases. Here’s what you need to know.

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Before You Begin: Ask Your HOA And Read Your Documents

Your contract is going to delineate what is your responsibility, and where your responsibility ends. The documents should document what is what. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Your unit is considered to be “Unit Property.” Anything that is under “Unit” is something that is 100 percent yours.
  • Common Elements are parts of the building that are used by everyone. This can include main lines, the front lawn, as well as the sump.
  • Limited Common Elements are parts of the building that could be your responsibility or the condo’s. This could include things like your AC unit outside or the shutters on your door. It’s unlikely that your plumbing will end up having Limited Common elements.

You need to read up on your condo HOA documentation to find out where your plumbing lies and where the line crosses from yours to them. If you cannot find a specific delineation, ask them for one in writing.

When Are Water Pipes The Tenant’s Responsibility?

Generally speaking, anything in your unit (within the walls of your condo) and anything directly touching them will probably be your liability. Moreover, any plumbing that goes through your wall from a wall nearby may be your responsibility as well.

With Limited Common elements, you probably will have to pay a partial amount for the repairs. In some cases, you might be absolved of responsibility.

When Is Plumbing The Condo Association’s Responsibility?

If the area of your plumbing is used by multiple units or is not found within your unit’s walls, you generally do not have to worry about having to worry about paying for repairs. Common areas are always the HOA’s responsibility and Limited Common elements are often mostly the condo association’s realm as well.

Moreover, it’s important to remember that damage done to your unit by plumbing outside of your home probably is not going to be your responsibility. If this is the case, then you should explain that to your HOA and provide proof of the matter too.

When Is The Plumbing Your Neighbor’s Responsibility?

If your neighbor abused their plumbing to the point that a burst pipe occurred and harmed your building, they’re going to be responsible in most jurisdictions. Alert your HOA, your insurance company, and the neighbor immediately if this happens.

What Should You Do To Prevent Plumbing Issues In A Condo?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your plumbing. Here’s how you can avoid paying:

  • Find out exactly what you are responsible for maintaining as well as COA responsibilities. If you can, find out where the limits of your apartment goes as far as walls. (Is it the sheetrock, or behind the studs?)
  • Maintain your plumbing well. This is a no-brainer, but it still is important. Clear out the drains with a gentle enzyme cleaner, fix issues as they come about, and replace corroded pipes as soon as you notice it.
  • Report anything out of the ordinary that you notice in your condo common areas. Not all plumbing problems are going to involve a flooding toilet. Some signs are very subtle. A musty smell in your sink cabinet can be a leak behind your wall. Even a puddle that won’t go away in your lawn could be an issue that you need to be aware of.
  • Use your plumbing responsibly. This means that you don’t flush paper towels down the toilet, and don’t pour grease down the drain. If you have problems with your hair falling down the drain, it might make sense to get a drain snake.

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Related Questions

What can I do if my condo association refuses to fix something they’re required to do?

The best thing you can do is call a real estate lawyer to have them write a letter. Most of the time, this alone is enough to get them to hold up their end of the bargain. If they do not buck, then it’s important to remember that condos can be sued for negligence or refusal to do the required maintenance work for them.


Do condos have more difficult plumbing setups than regular homes?

Yes, like all other multi-family homes, having more people means that your building will need to have more plumbing setups. Having all that water flowing through a building can turn into a huge burden, which is why they have additional plumbing fixtures to help ease the burden. With that said, all those extra doodads add to the complexity of a system.


What should you do if you and your neighbor share plumbing lines in a condo?

Most of the time, the best thing to do is to refer to the condo’s handbook to find out what their policy is on shared plumbing lines. In most cases, any lines that are shared will be made into a Common Element, which means that the COA/HOA should be the one to fix it.If it is something that is on the tenants’ side of responsibility, then your best bet is to work towards coming up with a plan ahead of time.

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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