The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
A hypothetical older Englewood house has been split into an upstairs unit and a basement unit with its own entrance down an exterior stairwell. The basement tenant has a carpeted living room, a bedroom with a small window and a kitchenette. The owner lives elsewhere in the metro.
- During a heavy evening thunderstorm, the tenant notices water flowing under the stairwell door and across the living room carpet.
- The tenant moves electronics and a rug off the floor, takes video of the water coming under the door and of the stairwell filling outside, and texts the landlord.
- The landlord asks the tenant to sweep leaves from the stairwell drain once the rain stops, which drains the landing quickly.
- The next day, the landlord arranges a cleanup provider. The living room carpet pad is removed, the carpet is lifted and dried, and the lower drywall near the door is checked with a meter.
- The tenant's renters insurance is contacted about a damaged rug and a floor lamp. The landlord's policy is notified about the building damage.
The unit is usable again after several days of drying, with the tenant staying in the bedroom while equipment runs in the living room. The landlord has the stairwell drain scoped, adds a small roof over the stairwell, and sets a reminder to clear the drain each fall and spring.
Who usually handles what
Leases and Colorado law shape the details; this is a general picture.
| Landlord | Tenant |
|---|---|
| Repairs to the building, drainage and the unit's finishes | Reporting water promptly and in writing |
| Arranging and paying for water removal and drying of the structure | Reasonable steps to limit damage, such as moving belongings |
| Keeping the unit habitable, or discussing arrangements if it is not | Allowing access for cleanup and repairs |
| Maintaining the stairwell drain and gutters | Claiming personal belongings under renters insurance, if they have it |
What helped most
Written notice the same night
A text with video created a time-stamped record that both sides could refer to.
Quick, simple mitigation
Moving items and clearing the drain once the storm passed kept the damage to one room.
Agreement on access
The tenant and landlord agreed on times for the provider's daily visits.
Fixing the cause, not just the carpet
Covering the stairwell and scheduling drain cleaning made the next storm a non-event.
General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.