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11/02/2009
Insurer warns of empty property dangers |
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Norwich Union claims that with increasing numbers of commercial property left vacant, there is likely to be an increase in fires, thefts and malicious damage.
The company claims that every year the fire brigade responds to 9,000 blazes in empty buildings.
Fires, theft and malicious damage in buildings that have been left vacant cause yearly losses of more than £100 million, the Fire Protection Association estimates.
In association with Norwich Union, the Insurers' Research Insight, Strategy and Control Authority has produced The Code of Practice for the Protection of Empty Buildings, which provides advice for commercial property owners to protect themselves against such incidents.
Allister Smith, property risk manager for Norwich Union, says the document helps landlords to conduct a risk assessment in compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and reduce any risks.
"Property owners must be equally aware of their duty of care to anyone that enters the premises - from trespassers to members of the fire services. If the property is left in a dangerous state, the owner would be liable for any injury caused," he adds.
The code of practice also warns landlords that it is essential that the property's insurer or broker is informed immediately after it becomes empty.
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