Can my building insurance cover a roof leak in a condo or townhome?
Short answer. It depends on who insures the roof. In most condominiums and many townhome communities, the association's master building policy covers the roof, while your own unit policy covers interior finishes and belongings. Either way, the leak still has to come from a sudden covered event such as storm damage; a slow leak from an aging roof is usually maintenance.
Who owns the roof?
Read your association's declaration and bylaws. In a condo, the roof is usually a common element insured by the master policy. In fee simple townhomes, each owner may own and insure their own roof section, and the HOA may only set appearance standards. Some associations split it: the HOA maintains the roof, but each owner's policy pays for damage.
The usual split when water comes in
- Master policy: the roof itself and often the structure, sometimes including original drywall.
- Your HO-6 or homeowners policy: ceilings, flooring, cabinets and upgrades inside your unit, depending on the master policy type, plus your belongings and loss of use.
- Loss assessment coverage: helps pay your share if the association assesses owners for the master policy deductible.
Steps when the roof leaks
- Notify the HOA or management company in writing, with photos and the date.
- Protect your belongings and dry the area, keeping every receipt.
- Report interior damage to your own insurer if it is above your deductible.
- Ask the HOA for the master policy deductible and who is responsible for it.
If wind or hail opened the roof, interior rain damage is generally covered; see interior water damage from a roof leak and your duty to prevent further damage.