The business side of a leak
For a restaurant, salon, retail shop or professional practice along South Broadway or Hampden, a leak is an operations problem as much as a property problem. Water through the ceiling can ruin inventory, short out a register or a server, close a dining room under health rules, or force a salon to cancel a day of appointments. Many of these businesses lease their space, so the building owner controls the roof, the main plumbing and the sprinkler system.
The most useful preparation is simple: know who to call to stop the water, know what you are responsible for under your lease and insurance, and keep the things that matter most off the floor and away from obvious leak paths.
Preparation for owners and managers
- Get the building owner's or manager's after-hours number and save it in every manager's phone.
- Learn where any shutoff for your space is, and whether you are allowed to use it.
- Keep inventory, paper records and electronics on shelves or pallets, not on the floor.
- Back up computers and point-of-sale data off site.
- Know which equipment vendors must inspect machines after water exposure.
- Prepare a short sign and a voicemail message for an unexpected closure.
- Read your lease sections on repairs, rent during closures and insurance requirements.
Insurance pieces to look for
| Coverage | What it usually handles | Question to ask your agent |
|---|---|---|
| Business personal property | Stock, furniture, equipment you own | Are tenant improvements I paid for included? |
| Business income | Lost income while closed after a covered loss | How many hours before it starts, and how long does it last? |
| Extra expense | Costs to keep operating, such as temporary space | What counts as an extra expense? |
| Equipment breakdown | Failure of covered equipment | Does water damage to equipment fall here or elsewhere? |
| Building coverage | Usually the landlord's policy | Which repairs am I responsible for under my lease? |
Common questions
Can I hire my own drying company in a leased space?
Check with the landlord first. The building owner may have a preferred contractor and their insurer may need to approve work on the building itself. Your own stock and equipment are usually your decision.
General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.