Reducing your risk - How to prevent a Claim
At Deacon, we are often asked for advice on reducing the risk of making a claim. This is what we call 'Risk Management'. Much of this we publish on a regular basis, through our ‘Leaseholder’ newsletters, but to make life easier, we have also put some pointers online. Do note however this is not an exhaustive list.
How to prevent a Claim
- Make sure you and your tenants know the location of stopcocks and that these are kept accessible
- Keep roofing and gutters in good condition and inspect regularly (at least annually)
- If your flat roof is over 10 years old, have it inspected and if necessary look at recovering it
- Adequate lagging should be provided to water tanks and pipes in unheated areas of buildings
- If you discover a minor leak make sure its repaired immediately
- Ensure that heating is maintained at a low level (minimum 5 degrees C) even if the property is unoccupied for any period of time (also remember that you must inform us if the property is empty for more than 30 days)
Fire
- Make sure that smoke alarms are wired into the mains supply and not battery operated (this is now a requirement for all new and converted flats)
- Ensure that adequate emergency lighting operating independently of the main supply is provided
- All fire exit signs should be clearly visible and display approved pictograms
- Ensure that doors onto fire escape routes are self-closing and are maintained and in good condition
- Keep fire/smoke alarms in good working order and test them regularly (at least once a week)
- Internal doors should, where possible, be kept closed to reduce the risk of fire spreading
- Ensure that you have fire blankets in kitchens and a range of fire extinguishers available for tackling both electrical fires and wood/paper fires (where appropriate)
- For landlords - tenants should be made aware that they may not store flammable liquids, gases or other hazardous materials in garages or bin-stores
- For manufacturing/industrial premises - ensure that "good housekeeping" procedures are in place
Subsidence and Ground Heave
- Leaking drains should be repaired as soon as a problem is reported
- Water should not be allowed to collect near the property
- Trees and shrubs should be regularly pruned to avoid problems, and be kept a safe distance from buildings
Security
- Doors and windows should be maintained in good working order and have approved locks which conform to B53621 for theft resistant locks
- For landlords - consider asking tenants to join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme (details of which are available from your local Crime Prevention Officer)
- Consider fitting external lighting to help deter thieves
Building Safety
- The condition of walkways and private roadways should be checked regularly to ensure they are level and free from cracked paving stones and potholes
- Staircases, balconies and areas overlooking drops should have suitable hand rails and guard rails fitted
- Buildings should be inspected regularly to make sure that there are no loose tiles or fittings
- Boundary walls, fences and gates should be maintained in good condition
Reducing your risk - How to prevent a Claim
At Deacon, we are often asked for advice on reducing the risk of making a claim. This is what we call 'Risk Management'. Much of this we publish on a regular basis, through our ‘Leaseholder’ newsletters, but to make life easier, we have also put some pointers online. Do note however this is not an exhaustive list.
How to prevent a Claim
- Make sure you and your tenants know the location of stopcocks and that these are kept accessible
- Keep roofing and gutters in good condition and inspect regularly (at least annually)
- If your flat roof is over 10 years old, have it inspected and if necessary look at recovering it
- Adequate lagging should be provided to water tanks and pipes in unheated areas of buildings
- If you discover a minor leak make sure its repaired immediately
- Ensure that heating is maintained at a low level (minimum 5 degrees C) even if the property is unoccupied for any period of time (also remember that you must inform us if the property is empty for more than 30 days)
Fire
- Make sure that smoke alarms are wired into the mains supply and not battery operated (this is now a requirement for all new and converted flats)
- Ensure that adequate emergency lighting operating independently of the main supply is provided
- All fire exit signs should be clearly visible and display approved pictograms
- Ensure that doors onto fire escape routes are self-closing and are maintained and in good condition
- Keep fire/smoke alarms in good working order and test them regularly (at least once a week)
- Internal doors should, where possible, be kept closed to reduce the risk of fire spreading
- Ensure that you have fire blankets in kitchens and a range of fire extinguishers available for tackling both electrical fires and wood/paper fires (where appropriate)
- For landlords - tenants should be made aware that they may not store flammable liquids, gases or other hazardous materials in garages or bin-stores
- For manufacturing/industrial premises - ensure that "good housekeeping" procedures are in place
Subsidence and Ground Heave
- Leaking drains should be repaired as soon as a problem is reported
- Water should not be allowed to collect near the property
- Trees and shrubs should be regularly pruned to avoid problems, and be kept a safe distance from buildings
Security
- Doors and windows should be maintained in good working order and have approved locks which conform to B53621 for theft resistant locks
- For landlords - consider asking tenants to join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme (details of which are available from your local Crime Prevention Officer)
- Consider fitting external lighting to help deter thieves
Building Safety
- The condition of walkways and private roadways should be checked regularly to ensure they are level and free from cracked paving stones and potholes
- Staircases, balconies and areas overlooking drops should have suitable hand rails and guard rails fitted
- Buildings should be inspected regularly to make sure that there are no loose tiles or fittings
- Boundary walls, fences and gates should be maintained in good condition