Ensure you're Insured!
Posted on 24/07/2010
Heading off on holiday soon? Then please let your Clear Lets landlord know if the property you're currently renting is going to be vacant for a while.
This isn't just for security reasons or so that the landlord can keep an eye on the plumbing etc (although this makes good sense). No, your absence from the property for an extended period (two weeks or more) could actually affect your landlord's insurance.
Also, your going off on holiday could be an ideal opportunity for the landlord to pop round and get those non-urgent problems ie wonky coat hooks, dodgy kitchen door etc fixed. You know, the ones you've been meaning to mention to him for months now but just haven't got round to.
And on that subject, it's actually a good idea to let the landlord know straight away if any repairs need done, however trivial you consider them. That way he can fix them before they start annoying you. At the same time it guarantees they don't get any worse.
Repairs can be filed under two categories - urgent and minor. Urgent repairs would take the form of a:
Burst pipe
Broken window
Blocked toilet
Unsafe front door
Defective gas appliance
You are legally responsible to notify your landlord IMMEDIATELY if any of the above occur. This allows him to call in workmen and rectify the situation, usually within 48 hours.
Minor repairs, for which you are responsible, would usually cover such instances as a dripping tap, broken toilet seat and ripped linoleum.
To find out further information about repairs, and your responsibilities, call any of our Clear Lets team. You could also check your tenancy agreement which outlines who's responsible for what. It will also give you handy emergency numbers.
Remember, though, that the landlord can only fix faults such as a defective cooker ring, if he is aware of the problem in the first place. So really the onus is on you, the tenant, to inform him.
Meanwhile, your landlord may want to inspect the property now and again to check gas and electricity etc. He'll give you 48 hours notice prior to coming round.
To get back to the subject of leaving the property empty for two weeks or more, always remember to lock up windows and doors securely, again to cover any insurance policies, including your own Contents cover.
For further info on repairs and insurance cover please contact any of the Clear Lets team.