As the roof of the block is part of the common property maintained by your town council, tihs leakage will not be your responsibility. You will need contact your town council to get it repaired.
As mentioned earlier, ceiling leakage is not an issue that only concerns you. Dealing with this problem usually concerns three parties: the HDB and the owners of the upper and lower flat. For cases of ceiling leaks between the upper and lower floor flats, both owners share the responsibility of having it fixed.
Ceiling leaks are a plumbing issue that can be detected by blistered or peeling paint, dripping water, and discoloration on your ceiling. A ceiling leak is a sign that there is another problem with your home plumbing system or roof.
If your roof or ceiling leaks due to a covered peril, the associated damage should be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Most home insurance policies have an open perils claims basis, which means unless coverage is specifically excluded, then it is included.
First, check on your roof to clarify if it's allowing rain to come in, and not any other problems. Other potential sources for leaks include clogged gutters, pest infestation, and issues with plumbing, heating, and cooling units. Check on the tiles and drywall in your roof and ceiling to see if there is any damage.
Water-damaged ceilings are high-priority issues that lead to rot, mold and a weaker house frame. Leaks must be fixed, and water-damaged ceilings repaired, as soon as possible.
If there is serious damage to your ceiling, you'll need to remove the materials in order to let the whole thing dry out properly. Drywall can absorb water like a sponge, so make sure to start your cuts a few inches away from any visible damage. With that removed, check the insulation above it.
If the room you are sleeping in has advanced dry rot due to a neglected leak, your plaster or drywall ceiling is likely very weak and could fall in on you. Large pieces could cause injury, while small pieces could be ingested, inhaled, or get in your eyes.
Generally speaking, repairs for a small leak can be completed within a few hours depending on complexity. If a larger area needs repair or if several areas need attention, it may take a couple of days or more due to safety considerations and necessary materials.
If the leakage is not the fault of the flat owner staying above you, then the expenses to stop/repair the leakage has to be borne equally by you and above the flat owner as per law.
If you find a leak early and stop the spread before significant damage is done, it may dry up on its own. But for larger leaks it's important that the ceiling is dried out fully using a dehumidifier or fan.
Condensation is a prevalent cause of ceiling stains after a rainy season. This issue often results from poor insulation in improperly connected roof caps and vent pipes. If these sections are not airtight, they let water and moisture seep through the roof, condense on the ceiling and stain it.
Watermarks or Brown “Rusty” Stains– Oftentimes one of the most common signs of ceiling or roof water damage is watermarks or brown “rusty” stains on the walls, ceilings and/or attic. It can be a sign of a previous or current leak, so you should always have them checked out if they appear within your home.
Wet walls and insulation will hold moisture for a long time. This means that mold clusters can form inside the wall. If your drywall has started to mold, you will need to replace all or part of it. You want it out of your home as quickly as possible, as water damage will only make matters worse over time.
Additionally, if left untreated, water damage on walls can cause the surface to crack, peel or buckle. This can create both cosmetic and structural issues. Water damage can also give host to mold and mildew. That's why repairing water-damaged drywall in a timely manner is best.
Dry the affected area
Not doing so could result in mold growth and further damage. The quickest way is to rent high-powered fans (regular house fans will work but can take days or even weeks) and dehumidifiers. With the right equipment, the ceiling should be dry within a day.
Damaged O-rings, washers, or gaskets are usually to blame. When hair, soap, and other debris clog a shower drain, the water can't go down the drain. If the tub or pan overflows, it could leak through the ceiling below. Over time, the rubber gasket under the shower drain can dry out, crack, and leak.
Standard homeowners insurance policies usually cover structural damage on your property. This includes your foundation, ceiling, flooring, roof and more. Your policy protects these structures under dwelling coverage in the event of unexpected damage.
While mold and fungus are typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies, they are covered if they are the result of a covered incident.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.