In these unprecedented times it is important that property owners and property managers take steps to protect their buildings whenever they become unoccupied.
Unoccupied buildings, whether they are long term or short term, are at a much greater risk of damage for example:
Fire
Wilful damage
Theft of contents
Vandalism
Theft/damage to building services
Squatters
Fly tipping
Establishment of travellers’ encampments
Injury to third parties – particularly children
Theft of building materials – ie lead from roofs
Deterioration of building fabric through water ingress
A property owner also has a duty of care not just to third parties, but also those who may be trespassing.
Employees undertaking building inspections
Contractors
Surveyors
Estate agents
Prospective purchasers
Children (who may see unoccupied buildings as adventure playgrounds)
Vagrants
Intruders
Axa Insurance have released a practical guide on how to protect your property during a period of unoccupancy. To download this please visit the link below.
Axa Insurance is an insurer partner of Northern Risk Solutions.
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