Office corridor with a dehumidifier drying the carpet

Office corridor with a dehumidifier drying the carpet. This photo illustrates the topic and is not from any address mentioned on this page.

Glendale at a glance

Government
The City of Glendale, a separate municipality in Arapahoe County, completely surrounded by the City and County of Denver.
Housing
Mostly rental apartments and condominiums in low- and mid-rise buildings, many built in the 1960s through 1980s.
Waterway
Cherry Creek and its trail pass through the city.
Permits
Building permits and inspections go through Glendale's own city offices, not Denver's.

What is different in Glendale

Because most Glendale residents live in multi-unit buildings, water losses here tend to involve neighbors, landlords and associations. Many buildings date from the 1960s through the 1980s, and by now their original supply risers, drain stacks, water heaters and balcony doors may be near the end of their service life. A single failed riser or water heater on an upper floor can affect a whole vertical line of units.

Renters make up a large share of residents. That means tenants are often the first to discover a leak but are not the people who hire contractors or file building claims. Knowing how to report to a landlord in writing, and carrying renters insurance, matters here more than in most places.

Cherry Creek itself runs through Glendale. Buildings close to the creek may sit in or near mapped flood hazard areas. Flood damage from rising surface water is generally excluded from standard homeowners, condo and renters policies and requires separate flood insurance. If you live near the creek, look up your building on FEMA's flood map service and ask your agent whether flood coverage is advisable.

If water damage happens in a Glendale building

  1. Stop the water and report it

    Close the fixture valve if you can and alert building maintenance or the landlord immediately.

  2. Make it safe

    Turn off power to wet rooms if the panel is reachable safely. Call 911 for danger.

  3. Document your belongings

    Photograph damage before moving things and call your renters or HO-6 carrier.

  4. Confirm the permit authority

    For repairs that need permits, your contractor should work with the City of Glendale, not Denver.

Questions for Glendale residents

  1. Is my building in a mapped flood hazard area, and do I need separate flood coverage?
  2. Who provides water and sewer service to my building, and who should I call for a main break?
  3. When were the building's water heaters and risers last replaced?
  4. Does my landlord or association have an emergency contact posted for after-hours leaks?
  5. Does my renters or HO-6 policy include additional living expenses if my unit becomes unlivable?
Map of Glendale. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.