Co-op and Condo Flooding in NYC: Building Policy vs. Your Policy

In a NYC co-op or condo, a flood usually involves at least two policies: the building's master policy and your own unit owner policy. Which one pays depends on what was damaged, where the water came from and what your building documents say.

What Does the Building Policy Usually Cover?

The master policy usually covers the building structure and common areas, like the lobby, basement, boiler room and hallways. What it covers inside units depends on the policy and on your proprietary lease or condo bylaws.

What Does My Own Policy Usually Cover?

A unit owner policy usually covers your belongings, improvements you made inside the unit, and sometimes loss of use and liability. Like other homeowners policies, it usually does not cover outside flooding.

Does My Building Have Flood Insurance?

Not always. Many co-op and condo boards do not buy flood insurance unless a lender or flood zone rule requires it, even though many flood claims come from areas outside high-risk flood zones. Ask your managing agent or board for a copy of the building's coverage.

Does the Source of the Water Matter?

Yes. A burst pipe inside the building, a water main break, a sewer backup and outside flooding can each fall under different coverage, or none. Get the cause documented in writing early.

What Should Owners and Boards Do Now?

• Report the loss to the managing agent and to your own insurer.

• Photograph your unit and belongings before cleanup.

• Read your proprietary lease or bylaws for who repairs what.

• Start water removal and drying quickly to limit mold.

• Consider a licensed public adjuster for large building claims.

Need Help?

Flood Cleanup NYC handles cleanup for units and common areas. Call 212-600-9290 or see our Insurance Claims page.

Public adjusting services are provided by a New York licensed public adjuster under a separate written contract. You do not have to use our cleanup services to hire the public adjuster, and you do not have to hire the public adjuster to use our cleanup services.