I have a number of flats in a converted Mill. Due to a blocked drain on 7/11 all the manholes leaked raw sewage into the ground floor corridor and into one of my flats. It has blown the laminate floor,sub floor, bathroom subfloor and bedroom subfloor. Not to mention damage to carpets and lino.

I am doing my best to keep the tenants happy but the management company is dragging its heels about responsibility. They asked me why I hadn't sent someone to dry it out?.As far as I know cleaning sewage up has to be dealt with by a specialist company due to the diseases that can be contracted by touching raw waste. Who pays for it?

If the risk of contamination is so bad shouldn't I move the tenants out?. The owner is also dragging his heels at first saying it would be an insurance claim but then going quiet on me and doing nothing.

The interesting question is 'Where was the blockage?' If it was within the curtilage of the property it would be the landlords problem but not if it was outside. Then the water company would be liable. It is not likely to be the latter but mains drains can sometimes become blocked by a breakage after a heavy vehicle has passed over them. A heavy crane for instance on a building site? Then the owner of the crane may be liable.