Proper maintenance- essential for property owners

Posted under Advice by Jermaine

The safety of the people, who occupy the premises of the property owner, is their legal responsibility unless the other party has accepted the responsibility in writing. It is possible that the lessee will be held liable for any injury caused to the people as a result of negligence in maintaining the property properly if there is a full repairing lease.

It is rarely possible for the property owner to avoid responsibility completely. The owner may be liable under some circumstances even when a repairing lease is granted. It could be decided that the property owner failed to maintain the premises properly with the obligations imposed by the lease. The landlord could be found responsible by default if the property is empty for any period. If the premises are not secured properly then minors might gain access. The property owner may be held strictly liable for any injuries sustained if they meet any accident due to the property.

The property owner must also ensure that the public liability insurance is in place besides ensuring that the property is maintained properly. If he does that, the insurance company will step and handle claims if any.

The policy holder is not free from the need to take due and proper care but if it is done to the best of the landlord’s ability then no financial penalty should be suffered. Generally special landlord insurance provides liability cover of at least 2 million pounds for any one incident. It is better to seek advice from an insurance broker who can guide you properly.