It is important to keep your property in a reasonable condition. After all, your Landlords insurance will expect you to do so and any claim could be reduced or void if a lack of maintenance contributes towards a loss taking place, or being more severe than might otherwise be the case.

But there are other reasons why this is important, not least of which is that well maintained and attractive properties can attract rents at the top end of the range for the type and size within a given area. In addition, landlords are required to ensure that their properties are safe for habitation and a number of local and national regulations impose specific requirements on Landlords to maintain gas and electrical appliances to an adequate standard.

There is also a risk that your Landlords’ liability insurance may be called upon, should a tenant (or other third party) be injured or their belongings damaged. If you have allowed the premises to fall into disrepair, your insurance may not be valid.

The most important issue is to ensure that all boilers, gas equipment and electrical equipment on your premises are checked on a regular basis to make sure that they comply with the latest safety standards. The principal regulations affecting let property state that all gas and electrical appliance must “be safe”, all upholstered furniture must comply with safety standards and carry a fire resistance display label, the property must have smoke alarms and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be made available to a prospective Tenant. You may also be covered by the Homes in Multiple Occupation licensing regulations.

You may also wish to regularly ensure that your property is properly protected by locks on all external doors and at least ground floor windows.

It is important to seek independent professional advice before making any decision about your Landlord liability and buildings insurance. You should always ask your Insurance Advisers what experience they have of dealing with residential and/or commercial rental property insurance.

Back to Top