Choice Rentals - Professional Letting Agents | Page 28

Are insurance claims on rented properties common?
Leaksfrom one property to another are acommon cause of insurance claims, especially
in developments comprising a number of apartments. Leaks can result from something as
simpleas failed sealsin baths and showers to more seriousproblems with appliances and
other installations.
Leaks can be time consuming and costly to trace and repair and will often involve a claim on
your insurance.
On rare occasions, as with any property, claims on rented properties can arise from fire,
storm damage and other insured risks.

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Claims for leaksfrom one property to another are most common.

If I live in a flat, will the Freeholder claim on the buildings insurance?
This is unlikely unless the problem resulted from a failing in the structure of the building
or associated plant/ installationsunder the Freeholder’scontrol. Possible claims might
include water damage due to a leaking roof or sewerage stack.

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Your Freeholder or their Managing Agent will adviseon a caseby casebasis.

Who is responsible if one property leaks into another?
Typically, each party should make a claim under their own insurance policy for any damage
to their own property or belongings. Therefore, it is best to speak to your insurer in the first
instance to discussthe matter in detail.
If my tenants possessions are damaged as a result of a problem, am I liable as
their landlord?
As a general rule no, unlessthere is a claim of negligence or breach of contract. Your tenant
isresponsible for insuring his own possessions. Most tenancy agreements will make
it clear that both landlord and tenant are responsible for insuring their own property
and possessions. This provision does not relieve the tenant from his obligations to take
reasonable care of your property and possessions.

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Generally speaking you are not responsible for your tenant’s possessions.

What if my tenant is negligent?
Contact your insurer in the first instance if any damage is caused to your property. Most
tenancy agreements also allow you to seek redress where through act or omission a tenant
causes you to suffer lossby way of a rejected claim, excess or increased premium. Whilst
such casescan be notoriously difficult to prove, your insurance policy may also provide legal
assistance in thisregard.