04-03-2008
Landlords told to check for earthquake damage
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
Buy-to-let landlords ought to check their properties for damage following the recent tremors that shook parts of England and Wales.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has advised all property owners to look out for signs of damage following the earthquake.
Typical stress damages that could result in a claim on landlord insurance include cracks in ceilings and walls, blockages or damage to drains and pipes, missing sections of roofing and jarred windows and doors.
Ian Potts, Rics spokesman, warned: "If properties are left unchecked and damages are not routed out and repaired straight away, it could cause more extensive damage to the property and to the wallets."
For example, the institution suggests that chimney repairs could cost between £2,170 and £4,340 if not dealt with at an early stage.
The Telegraph predicted that damage caused by the earthquake will cost the UK tens of millions of pounds.