Damage to property can be quite stressful for any landlord, tenant or lettings agent to deal with. It can cost you valuable time and money to get your property back in good condition. Landlords in particular are at risk because damage to your property can lower its value and reduce how marketable your property will be in the open market.
Common causes of property damage
Poor building works
Not all building works go to plan. Sometimes a builder you have asked to carry out some work on your property may carry out the work in a negligent manner, causing damage to the rest of your building. They may also use products like pipes that leak and cause water damage. Often you may need to hire another builder or tradesman to repair the damage, which leads to more costs.
Subsidence
Most homeowners and tenants do not realise their property is subsiding until they start to see visible cracks on the walls. Properties in areas with a lot of vegetation and clay soils are prone to subsidence as untamed tree roots encroach underneath the foundations causing the walls to crack.
Flood and fire damage
Floods and fires are a key risk for property owners. Flooding in the UK, especially during periods of high rainfall, has meant that a number of properties have been damaged by floods while the risk of a fire erupting is one that is present all year round.
Vandalism and impact damage
Tenants or any other person can vandalise your property. Properties can also suffer impact damage which can happen, for example, when a vehicle drives into the property (this happens surprisingly often).
How barristers can help
Barristers can help you by:
• Considering your case and advising you on the best legal and commercial options to rectify your property
• Identifying who is at fault for the damage to your property
• Recovering the cost of repairs
• Advising on the legal options available to you to protect your property against any losses in the event of any unavoidable future damage
Contact our team of expert property barristers today to discuss your options.