advise needed on tenants responsibilties

louise1984_2

I am living in an unfurnished rented flat.. I have been looking into insurance and am a little confused, I understand that I need contents insurance to cover my belongings eg, tv, sofa. But can I insure the flooring? The whole flat has oak flooring throughout and was layed before I moved in, so entirely belongs to the LL, but if I should damage it in anyway I obv would be responsible wouldn't I?
Also where do I stand if for instance a burst pipe flooded a room and the flooring, skirting and kitchen cabinets were ruined? Who's responsible for the cost of fixing and replacing them?
I understand if I were to damage the kitchen worktop for example.. Not using a chopping board and having knife marks or putting a hot pan and burning the worktop, my fault so my responsibilty but as it does not belong to me can I insure it?
Hope that makes some sense!

agrinnall

It sounds like you need contents cover with accident damage included - although I'm not sure whether that would include damage to items not owned by you, you would need to check the cover offered before going ahead. Other posters may know of alternative products, but if they agree that this is what's needed you may be better to post on the Insurance board to get advice their on suitable policies.

jjlandlord

louise1984 wrote: »

Also where do I stand if for instance a burst pipe flooded a room and the flooring, skirting and kitchen cabinets were ruined? Who's responsible for the cost of fixing and replacing them?

This would all be the landlord's responsibility to fix. You would be liable for the costs only if you directly caused the pipe to burst.

G_M

You are only liable for things like flood, flood damage, damage to flooring etc if you are directly responsible for the damage. These items are the LL's responsibility, unless he can show your act or negligence was the cause.

And he has a deposit of yours to cover damage you cause.

You can, however, insure against this eventuality. A quick google found this from Endsleigh:

Protection for your deposit and your landlord.
When you take out Endsleigh’s contents cover, you’re insured for any accidental damage to your landlord’s glass and bathroom fittings as well as any other landlord’s items you’re legally responsible for, helping to protect your deposit.

louise1984_2

So I would be responsible if it were to flood because of heavy rain?

ilikewatch

louise1984 wrote: »

So I would be responsible if it were to flood because of heavy rain?

No, unless the flooding was directly due to your negligence - for example: If you were aware a storm water drain on your property was blocked with fallen leaves, but had made no attempt to remove the blockage, or inform the landlord about the blockage, then if the house flooded because of this you would have been negligent and could be liable for the damage. In reality it would be extremely hard to prove you had been aware unless you admitted it, and the landlord has almost certainly got his own insurance which would cover this scenario anyway.

G_M

louise1984 wrote: »

So I would be responsible if it were to flood because of heavy rain?

Not sure how you draw that conclusion from:

You are only liable for things like flood, flood damage, damage to flooring etc if you are directly responsible for the damage. These items are the LL's responsibility, unless he can show your act or negligence was the cause.

HelenYorkshire

My insurance doesn't cover anything that doesn't belong to me.

So basically, my "insurance" for carpets, doors, kitchen cupboards etc is my deposit. :think:

Not ideal but needs must.

Yorkie1

HelenYorkshire wrote: »

My insurance doesn't cover anything that doesn't belong to me.

So basically, my "insurance" for carpets, doors, kitchen cupboards etc is my deposit. :think:

Not ideal but needs must.

But these things will only be deducted from your deposit if you've damaged them beyond fair wear and tear.

dimbo61

As others have said you cant be held responsible but you must take reasonable care!!!
leave the heating on low over the xmas period if you go on holiday ( stops burst pipes)
Perhaps turn off the stop !!!! if away for the weekend/ holidays.
report any problems with blocked drains, gutters, leaks ASAP
have the landlords mobile number if you need to spaek to him/her in an emergency
Open winsdows to stop condensation, dont dry clothes on radiators, dont put anything down the sink which could block the sink waste.
Look after the property and report all faults in writing / email or phone to the Letting agent or landlord.
Make sure the property has a gas safety certificate, EPC, ETC