Robbery in apartment

frugaIrishman

2 flats got broken into in my complex today and laptops /tvs were taken.
I woke up this morning with a forensics team going into the apartment beside me. apparently, there has been a history of missing post / broken buzzer-in etc and the landlord was notified and nothing done about it. no deadbolt on front door and simple internal door locks on apartments. The police have recommended cctv and chubb locks on all the apartment doors.

3 questions for opinions/advice:
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1) is the landlord liable for the thefts because he has been negligent about building security?
2) if no, and no security improvements are made , and another flat is robbed next month, is he liable then?
3) should i get contents insurance?
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jenny74

... You mean you haven't already go contents insurance?!

bitsandpieces

3 - yes, yesterday! Tenants are responsible for insuring their own possessions. Advice on getting a cheap quote here (it can be pretty reasonable) http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/home-insurance
1 + 2: I would think that proving liability would be very, very difficult, unless the Landlord does something really stupid. Suing will take a lot of time and effort. Get contents insurance, so you're covered.

You'll also want a secure home. It might be worth seeing if the police advice can be used to encourage the Landlord to improve things, though - even if it's just the cheaper things, like better door locks. Also, can you see about getting neighbours together - so that you can all keep an eye out for one another's flats.

frugaIrishman

yeah, i dont have contents yet - i moved to england recently and its no excuse, but organizing bank, broadband has been an ordeal ( im waiting for virgin bband for 5 weeks and counting ) so it was on my list of things to do but i didnt want to add another battle , but its top priority now. Thanks for the advice.

Fire_Fox

Most blocks of flats are leasehold, the same person is not responsible for security on the building door as on the flat door. You need decent locks AND contents insurance, you will find your premiums are massively cheaper with deadlocks that meet BS-whatever.