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HOA Rules: Who Pays for Water Damage in Townhouses?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Check Your HOA Documents First

Your HOA's governing documents, including the declaration, bylaws, and rules, define exactly what the association maintains. Many townhouse HOAs cover the building's exterior, roof, and common areas like shared walls and hallways. Interior finishes, plumbing inside your unit, and personal belongings are often your responsibility.

Read the sections on maintenance and repair obligations carefully. Look for terms like "limited common areas" or "exclusive use common areas," which can apply to pipes or balconies. If the documents are unclear, ask the HOA board for a written explanation. Keep a copy of any response you receive.

Where the Water Starts Matters

The source of the water often determines who pays. If a roof leak damages your ceiling, the HOA may be responsible for the roof repair, but you might pay for interior drywall. If a pipe inside your wall springs a leak, the HOA might handle the pipe if it serves multiple units, while you handle the drywall.

Take photos of the damage and note the water source. This helps you and the HOA determine responsibility. Also, check if the damage came from a common area like a hallway or exterior wall. In that case, the HOA may cover more of the repair costs.

  • Roof leak: HOA often fixes the roof, you fix the ceiling
  • Pipe in shared wall: HOA may fix the pipe, you fix the wall
  • Leak from your bathroom: usually your responsibility
  • Damage to floors or furniture: typically your insurance
  • Mold from a leak: check who caused the delay in drying

Your Insurance and the HOA's Policy

Your homeowners insurance covers your personal property and interior finishes, but only if you have the right policy. The HOA has its own master policy that covers common areas and the building structure. Damage to your unit from a covered peril may require you to file a claim with your own insurer.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Review your policy to see if it covers water damage from plumbing, roof leaks, or sewer backups. Also, ask your HOA for a copy of their master policy to understand what they cover. This helps you avoid gaps in coverage.

Steps to Take After Water Damage

Act quickly to prevent further damage. Turn off the water supply if a pipe burst, and move furniture away from wet areas. Dry the affected areas with fans and dehumidifiers, especially in McKinney's humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hail and thunderstorms, which can worsen mold growth.

Document everything with photos and written notes. Notify your HOA in writing about the damage and ask them to inspect. If you live in McKinney, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Then, contact your insurance company to file a claim if needed.

Consider hiring a water damage professional to assess the extent of the damage. They can provide a detailed report that helps with insurance claims and HOA disputes. For minor issues, you might handle cleanup yourself, but for large-scale damage, professional help is wise.

  • Turn off the water and electricity if safe
  • Take photos before any cleanup
  • Notify the HOA in writing within 24 hours
  • Keep receipts for any emergency repairs
  • Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space
  • See a doctor if you feel unwell from mold exposure

When the HOA Says No

If the HOA denies responsibility, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance. Your insurer may then pursue the HOA if they believe the HOA is liable. This process can take time, so prepare for delays. You might also need to consult a qualified attorney if the dispute escalates.

Do not ignore the damage while waiting for a decision. Mold and structural issues can worsen quickly. Hire a water damage pro to dry and stabilize the area, even if you pay out of pocket. You can often recover these costs later if the HOA is found responsible.

Keep a log of all conversations and letters. If the HOA's insurance policy covers the damage, they may pay for repairs directly. But never assume the HOA will cover everything. Always have a backup plan to protect your home.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the HOA pay for water damage to my floors?

Usually not. The HOA typically covers common areas and building structure, not your personal property like floors, carpet, or furniture. Check your HOA documents and your homeowner's policy. If the leak originated from a common area, the HOA might pay for the source, but your floors are often your responsibility.

What if the leak comes from a neighbor's unit?

Your neighbor's insurance may cover the damage to your unit if they are at fault. But your own insurance can also cover you and then seek reimbursement from the neighbor's insurer. Contact your insurance company right away. The HOA may not be involved unless the leak source is in a common wall or system.

Can the HOA charge me for repairs to common areas?

Yes, if the damage was caused by your negligence, such as a washing machine overflow. The HOA can bill you for repairs to common areas. They may also impose fines if you violate rules. Check your HOA documents for assessment clauses. Your insurance may cover this cost if you have liability coverage.

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