Above you will have seen what is typically included in a landlord’s insurance policy. However, in a way, it is almost more important to be clear about what is not covered in your policy.
Broadly speaking, you will not be covered for maintenance. Yes, this is a loose term but here are some of the main examples.
Damp
Damp is considered to be a maintenance issue. This is because it can be caused by a few different factors. Rising damp may have occurred due to a defective DPC (damp proof course). In fact, in older properties, there may not even be DPC. Sometimes it may be caused because of tenants not keeping the property well ventilated or drying their clothes on top of the radiators.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is one of the last things any landlord would want. It is when wood decays. The wood decays because certain types of fungi have digested the part of the wood that gives it stiffness and strength.
Wet Rot
Wet rot is a broad term that refers to some species of fungi who actually break down the wood’s cells that makes the wood weaken over time.
Gradual Deterioration
Gradual deterioration is when a landlord doesn’t visit the property often enough to resolve issues before they escalate into more serious problems.
Faulty workmanship
This is a rather common problem. If your property was constructed or extended with faulty workmanship, of course, your insurer will not cover this. An example is that the flashing has not been secured correctly on the property’s roof, this would lead to water increasing inside.
Be sure to read your policy wording carefully. However boring it may seem it could save you a big problem in the future.
