Property damage due to contractor

[Lindy012]

My bathroom contractor refused to take responsibility and ghosted me when the invoices came in for damage they caused due to poor work.  Water damage to units below me and building lobby are now being put on me.  If I end up paying can I write it off on my taxes?

[DoninGA]

The cost to repair damage caused by you to someone else's property is not deductible on your tax return.

You need to seek out legal advice for this situation.

[M-MTax]

Your only recourse is to sue the contractor.

[Opus 17]

It seems from your question that this is personal property, you are not the landlord.  If you are a landlord, the answer will be different.

Casualty damages to your own property are not deductible unless due to a declared federal disaster, like a bad storm, wildfire, or other declared disaster.  Damages to other people's property caused by you (or your property) are never deductible.

You need legal counsel. 

[M-MTax]

Are you insured @Lindy012? This is something a typical p&c policy would cover.

[Mike9241]

I agree with @M-MTax if you have insurance. Though some companies are better than others when it comes to claims. If you have insurance let the insurance company decide if they want to go after the contractor. Hiring a lawyer should be a last resort. even if you sue and win collection is a different matter. many lawyers that would handle such a case would want a substantial portion of any settlement received.