Key points
- Water travels through shared walls, floors and ceilings between units.
- The source may be next door — find it before you dry.
- HOA and individual policies may both be involved.
- Document everything from the start.
How it spreads
- Supply line or appliance leak in the neighboring unit
- Water running along the bottom plate of a party wall
- Leaks from the unit above through the ceiling — see upstairs neighbor leaks
What to do
- Notify your neighbor and the HOA right away.
- Take photos and video of everything wet.
- Call us to map moisture in both units if access is allowed. We use FLIR thermal cameras and moisture meters.
- Check your HOA documents and policy for who covers what — see condo water damage: who pays.
General information, not insurance or legal advice. Vault documents the damage, records daily moisture readings, scopes in Xactimate, and bills State Farm, USAA, Allstate, Farmers, and Bear River Mutual directly.
Real example: Vineyard case study: townhome party wall cross-unit damage.
Water coming from next door?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.
Water damage services · Document damage for insurance · Multi-family restoration