Who pays ?

countermon

Hello everyone, a newbie to the site here who would like to say hello and pick your expert brains please.

Just returned from a pretty traumatic holiday in rented accommodation which was burgled during our stay via an insecure window which the owner of the property had left open as " nobody gets burgled round there" [North Wales].

The window was in an upstairs room which we did not actually use as it had quite a damp feel to it, and was also pretty claustrophobic.
I had seen the window was slightly open but assumed that as it was on the first floor was high enough not be be a security risk.... unfortunately due to the lie of the land the window was only about 5 feet off the ground and the owner of the house had conveniently left a stepladder nearby ! That is how the burglars got in, stealing personal possessions belonging to myself and my family, including my young daughter's holiday cash she had saved so hard for.

Matter has been reported to the police and crimed as a burglary. No damage to the building and nothing belonging to the owner of the property was stolen. Owner has been informed and states that he was not insured for personal property but he would "try to work something out". Now not returning my calls.

Sorry for the lengthy opening post, but my question is, as the title says, "who pays ?". Total amount stolen is about £225, but I really cannot afford to lose that and my own household insurance does not cover items away from home and I do not have travel insurance.

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.

crazyterrier2000

countermon wrote: »

Hello everyone, a newbie to the site here who would like to say hello and pick your expert brains please.

Just returned from a pretty traumatic holiday in rented accommodation which was burgled during our stay via an insecure window which the owner of the property had left open as " nobody gets burgled round there" [North Wales].

The window was in an upstairs room which we did not actually use as it had quite a damp feel to it, and was also pretty claustrophobic.
I had seen the window was slightly open but assumed that as it was on the first floor was high enough not be be a security risk.... unfortunately due to the lie of the land the window was only about 5 feet off the ground and the owner of the house had conveniently left a stepladder nearby ! That is how the burglars got in, stealing personal possessions belonging to myself and my family, including my young daughter's holiday cash she had saved so hard for.

Matter has been reported to the police and crimed as a burglary. No damage to the building and nothing belonging to the owner of the property was stolen. Owner has been informed and states that he was not insured for personal property but he would "try to work something out". Now not returning my calls.

Sorry for the lengthy opening post, but my question is, as the title says, "who pays ?". Total amount stolen is about £225, but I really cannot afford to lose that and my own household insurance does not cover items away from home and I do not have travel insurance.

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.

Beyond me, sorry. It is the weekend so keep checking back, you will get an answer

countermon

Thanks for the reply.

Suppose I'm hoping that someone will confirm that as this was a burglary, then the owner of the property is responsible, especially as they had left the place insecure in the first place. The police were shocked at the lack of security.

I'll keep checking back. Thanks again.

McKneff

You knew the window was open.
You presumed that it was on a second floor. You should have checked.
The landlord didnt leave the place insecure, you did.

Result - you pay.

Advice - always buy travel insurance.

Sorry, not what you wanted to hear but I have been on lots of these holidays and i always secure the property.

In all honesty, would you leave an upstairs window open at home and go out.

countermon

The landlord has already said he couldn't close the window fully as it was made of bare wood having been installed in the last couple of weeks and had swelled in the damp. It was therefore only truly secure after I screwed it shut after the burglary.

McKneff

Difficult one then in that case.
Keep on at him, see where it goes.
Threaten him with small claims court, it might help your case.
This can be done easily on line. Cant remember how much it costs but not a lot and its refunded if you win.

Hope fully the threat might make him pay up but dont hold your breath.