A property owner’s guide to preventing damage and liability

Preventing loss or damage is the responsibility of the property owner – ensure that your buildings are properly maintained and kept in good repair.

Neglect or inadequate maintenance

Insurers cannot, and should not, be expected to cover the cost of repairs resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance. Common examples of such situations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Water or damp ingress due to failed waterproofing of exterior walls, roofing (cracked/displaced tiles, shifted sheeting), window and door frame sealants, etc.
2. Water or damp ingress due to blocked drains, gutters or waste pipes/sewer outflow pipes.
3. Damage to structures caused by tree roots, creeping plants, pests or vermin.
4. Slow leaks and damp ingress caused by corroded/pitted water supply pipes.
5. Normal settlement cracks caused by poorly compacted soils around foundations (heaving), temperature variations, and rust (concrete spalling).
6. Blocked or undersized downpipes and gutters, leading to overflows.
7. Leaking balconies, planter boxes or rooftop gardens.
8. Missing or failed flashings around vents or plumbing penetrations.
9. Neglected fire hoses, extinguishers and hydrants.
10. Ponding/pooling of water on flat roofs and/or balconies due to poor falls or blocked outlet drainage ports.
11. Lack of regular and routine servicing of any pumps and motors.

Not only can insurers reject claims for the repairs to buildings, due to maintenance neglect, but these failures could also lead to accidents or bodily injury to persons, either an occupant or a visitor.

Take responsibility for maintenance and repair

For that reason it is of vital importance that property owners or trustees take utmost care to ensure that any uneven surfaces, loose bricks, tiles and pavers around walkways and parking areas are safely secured, any broken window glass is repaired, slippery surfaces avoided and kept dry and clear (not only water spills but also common green moss in shaded cool areas) and any cracked and/or leaning perimeter walls are secured against collapse.

Failure to take prompt remedial action to repair any known defects could lead to a very trying and traumatic experience, especially if it may cause severe injury, disability and even death to persons.