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Burst pipes in rental accom... insurance query?

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  • 06-01-2011 12:33pm
    #1
    rog1985
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭


    Over christmas whilst away the pipes burst in a rental accommodation. Damage done to the landlords furniture, carpets and beds etc. Some of the tenants property was also damaged, books, art, electrical goods, etc. Landlord claims he has insurance which will cover his stuff but not the tenants.. Any advice will be great. Thanks.
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    #2
    usernamegoes
    Registered Users Posts: 901 ✭✭✭usernamegoes


    It's usual that the landlord takes out insurance for structure and his contents not for the tenant's property, it is their obligation to insure that.


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    #3
    Paulw
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 13,381 Mod ✭✭✭✭Paulw


    Tenants should have their own contents insurance.

    It's not the responsibility for the landlord to ensure anything other than what is his - the structure and his contents.


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    #4
    slimjimmc
    Registered Users Posts: 7,787 ✭✭✭slimjimmc


    Paulw wrote: »
    Tenants should have their own contents insurance.

    It's not the responsibility for the landlord to ensure anything other than what is his - the structure and his contents.

    Isn't it a rule that one needs to have an insurable (financial?) interest in the property, so even if he wanted to I doubt the landlord would be able to insure the tenant's stuff.


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    #5
    rick flair
    Closed Accounts Posts: 48 ✭rick flair


    On the other hand what caused the pipes to burst ? Did you alert the landlord to the frozen pipes or water problems ? Did the LL do anything to maintain the pipes ? Did the LL callin during the cold spell ?

    If the over hob fell off the wall and broke your nice IPOD i dont think it is fair that you foot the bill. The landlord is liable for any damage his property causes, just as if the pipes burst and flooded next door. Whether he has insurance is irrelevant - he could be held liable - but the facts need to be laid out.

    Talk to him and meet half-way perhaps.


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    #6
    Paulw
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 13,381 Mod ✭✭✭✭Paulw


    slimjimmc wrote: »
    Isn't it a rule that one needs to have an insurable (financial?) interest in the property, so even if he wanted to I doubt the landlord would be able to insure the tenant's stuff.

    Exactly. That's why tenants must insure their own stuff.
    rick flair wrote: »
    On the other hand what caused the pipes to burst ?

    If the over hob fell off the wall and broke your nice IPOD i dont think it is fair that you foot the bill. The landlord is liable for any damage his property causes, just as if the pipes burst and flooded next door.

    But, isn't that why people need insurance in the first place? Both the landlord and the tenant?

    I've never been a landlord, but I have been a tenant, and I always made sure I had my contents insured.

    I don't see why the landlord should even have to make any offer to the tenant, unless he knowingly caused the fault.


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