Concrete floor brick wall gap leaking severely (garage above basement)
I want to be your attorney. I think I could retire on this case and move to Hawaii.
There’s several issues: 1) the Building Code (and probably your zoning ordinances) require a “safe living space”, 2) you’re the renter not the landlord so you cannot make “improvements” without the landlord’s permission, 3) making repairs.

Having water “leak” into your living space is not only illegal, but it’s a health issue. The Code requires a safe environment for all habitable spaces. In addition, moisture leaking into your apartment can cause mold, fungus, etc. with long term effects.

However, I know some people have a difficult time finding adequate housing and you may not want to complain. (I have a friend in San Francisco and he has trouble finding adequate housing and would never complain unless the roof caved in.) However, I assure you leaking water into your apartment is a health hazard.
If you decide to pursue a claim, I’d notify your landlord in writing and contact your Building Department after 3 days notice to your landlord if he does not meet with you to decide on a course of action. Your landlord may terminate the lease and kick you out rather than spend money on fixing the problem.

Remember, you are the renter and need permission to do any repair. (Just for your own liability, I’d get permission in writing and itemize what you are going to do. If things go bad, the landlord could sue you for all sorts of repairs, etc. that you did and that you did not do and are not responsible for.)

Obviously you need to determine exactly where the leaks occur. I’d do that with a garden hose and soak each area until it leaks. Keep excess water vacuumed up and keep a journal with pictures of where it leaked.


The Code requires garage slabs to be sloped out so rain does not accumulate in the garage. This garage may be too old for that requirement to apply, but you could add a “topping slab” that slopes out the garage door, if the existing structure is suitable to add such a load. (You’ll need an architect or structural engineer to review.)
As a first attempt, I’d seal the joints with a two-part expansion joint compound and then seal (paint) the entire slab.
Yes, concrete is porous but it’s far more likely water is running through cracks, etc. than working it’s way through the slab.
Do not delay. Your health is at risk.