Quick help in the event of water damage: Saving furniture and storing it safely

If you have landed on this page, you are probably experiencing water damage. You have probably overcome the initial shock, called for help and are now looking for water damage restoration solutions. In this blog post, you will learn step by step how to save your furniture, minimize the damage and who will cover the costs of water damage.

Checklist for water damage: Appropriate measures in the event of water damage

Safety has priority:

• Are you at home? Immediately switch off the power in affected areas if you can safely reach the fuse box.
• Are you just coming home? Do not enter the apartment! Try to switch off the main power from outside. Many buildings have an external power box.
• Important: Water and electricity are a dangerous duo! Do not touch any electrical appliances or cables that are in the water.
• Wear rubber boots and rubber gloves before moving around in the water.

Call for professional help:

• Immediately contact a company specializing in water damage or the fire department (phone: 118), especially if the damage is severe.
• Inform your landlord or property management about the water damage.

Stop the source of the water

• If the pipe bursts: If it can be reached, turn off the main water tap.
• In case of flooding from outside: Wait for professional help.

Document the damage:

• Photograph and film everything - from the source of the water to the wet furniture to the floors and walls in the affected rooms - you will need these recordings later for your insurance and repairs.
• Make a list of all the items that have been damaged by the water.

Insurance in the event of water damage: Who covers the costs?

Water damage can happen at any time. With good preparation, you can overcome the situation. What can you do and what does your insurance company need from you? In the event of water damage, the decisive factor for the costs is who caused the damage. If the water damage was caused by you, your household contents or personal liability insurance will pay for the damage. In other cases, the landlord's insurance or the building insurance will pay.

• Report the damage immediately: Inform your insurance company of the water damage within 24 hours.
• Your insurance company will need the following from you:
  • Take photos and videos of all the damage.
  • Make a list of the damaged items with date of purchase and price.
  • Keep all invoices for repairs and cleaning.
• Ask about the coverage of costs:
  • Do you need to store your furniture at short notice? Ask the insurance company whether it will cover the storage costs.
  • Always get the cost approval in writing.
• Plan the time frame:
  • Clarify how long the insurance company will pay for the storage.
  • Allow for a buffer – renovations and repairs often take longer than expected.
• Sort out your alternative accommodation:
  • Is your home uninhabitable? Many insurance companies will cover hotel costs.
  • Ask for a fixed rate so that you don't have to submit every receipt.

What are your rights as a tenant in the event of water damage?

You pay your insurance regularly, but when it comes down to it, things can get complicated. That's why it's important that you know your rights and how costs are covered in the event of water damage. Here is your action plan:

1. Inform your landlord or property management company: report the damage immediately in writing, an email is usually sufficient. Carefully document the correspondence with all parties involved.
2. Clarify the cause of the water damage: In the event of a building defect, the landlord will bear the costs. In the case of self-inflicted damage or force majeure, your household insurance is responsible.
3. Apply for a rent reduction: If your apartment is not or only partially habitable during the renovation, you may be entitled to a rent reduction. As a guideline: 10-20% if it is partially usable, up to 100% if it is uninhabitable.
4. Settle the storage costs: Ask the landlord to pay the storage costs if he is responsible for the damage. If you are responsible yourself, ask your household insurance company. In both cases: Obtain written confirmation in advance that the costs will be covered.
5. Ask tenancy law experts: Tenants' associations or your legal protection insurance often offer free initial consultations. For larger sums, it may be worth hiring a law firm specializing in tenancy law.

Eliminate water damage: What you can do on your own

As a tenant, you should never arrange for repairs to be carried out in your home without consulting the property management or landlord.

Saving furniture in the event of water damage

• Protection for dry furniture: Place undamaged furniture on blocks or plastic crates to keep them dry and intact.
• For wet furniture: Gently dab the surfaces with cloths and then put them somewhere to dry, ideally in a well-ventilated room.
• Protect wooden furniture: Wrap the feet of your wooden furniture with aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any more moisture.

Drying rooms in the event of water damage

• Improve air circulation: To dry rooms faster, open all windows and doors.
• Dehumidify effectively: Place dehumidifiers and fans in the room to reduce moisture quickly.

What to do if there is water damage to the parquet floor?

Water damage to parquet flooring can be a real challenge, but with these steps you have a good chance of saving your floor.

1. Dry the parquet floor: Remove excess water immediately with a vacuum cleaner. Insider tip: Lay out toilet paper or household paper and press it down - it absorbs surprisingly well!
2. Use professional drying equipment: Hire special drying equipment for parquet, as normal dehumidifiers are not enough.
3. Care for the wood carefully: Treat dry parquet with special wood oil to prevent cracks and warping.
4. Sanding as a last resort: In the event of slight warping, sanding and resealing can save your parquet. Attention: This only works with hardwood parquet!
5. Take preventative measures: Seal the joints at the edge with silicone to keep moisture out. Install water detectors - they warn you before major damage occurs.

Avoid mold growth on furniture after water damage

Sort everything out thoroughly:

• Dispose of mold-infested items immediately: your health will thank you for it.
• Check your furniture: Take a close look at your wooden and upholstered furniture and decide whether it can still be saved.

Clean carefully:

• Disinfect thoroughly: Mix one part vinegar with four parts water and wipe the affected areas clean.
• Maintain your materials: Treat wood, fabric and metal according to their needs
• Place silica gel bags in drawers and cupboards to absorb moisture.

Plan for the long term:

• Furniture storage: rent a storage unit or container to keep your furniture protected during the restoration.
• Get help from experts: Consult with a professional water damage company to plan the restoration of your home.

Flexible storage units for water damage

In the event of water damage, you need quick and flexible solutions for furniture storage. placeB is your reliable partner and offers storage units in all sizes and with flexible rental periods at many locations.

• Instant and uncomplicated booking via our website and app.
• 24/7 app access with keyless entry.
• Maximum security: climate-controlled and video-monitored rooms.
• Flexible rental period: Regardless if you need a storage unit for a week or several months.

In an emergency, every minute counts: