Avoiding accidental damage
Avoiding accidental damage involves caution, following safety guidelines, and implementing preventive measures to minimise the risk of unintended harm
However careful you and your tenants are, accidents will happen.
‘Accidental damage’ is damage that happens suddenly, due to an unintentional act from an unexpected and unforeseen action.
Around 80% of the accidental damage claims we see at Total Landlord are for ‘accidental loss’ scenarios, which includes things like a child kicking a ball through the window or a tenant banging a nail into a water pipe.
One of the most common causes of accidental loss we see at Total Landlord is a tap being left running unattended.
Even if the accidental damage was caused by the tenants, it’s up to the landlord to pay for the repairs.
Although accidental damage is difficult predict, there are some steps you can take to minimise the risks and impact.
Carry out regular property maintenance
Carry out robust tenant referencing and regular periodic inspections
Ask tenants to report any accidental damage to you as soon as possible
Make sure tenants know that they need to provide their own contents insurance
Accidental damage cover isn’t always offered as standard so check whether it’s included in your landlord insurance policy, and take out extra protection if needed
For more guidance on how to protect your rental property from accidental damage, read our ultimate guide to accidental damage insurance.
