Difficult leaseholder away over 60 days at a time?
I own the freehold, and there are two flats in the building which one one of them I own and is rented and the other is owned by the leaseholder.
One of the conditions of getting the flat insured is that we must inform the insurance company if the flat is empty for more than 60 days or more. Now the leaseholder keeps going away for 60 days or more and never informs me. When I do ask them if they have been away, the leaseholder claims he has been at the flat when the tenants tell me he has been away, as they never see him for long periods, and they would know if he is in, as they would hear his dog!
My concern is that the insurance company could void any claim if they found out the leaseholder has never been living at the flat.
Also, the premiums are more if one of the flats is unoccupied for more than 60 days.
Many thanks
Jim
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Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1447 - Articles: 1
9:57 AM, 13th August 2025, About 8 months ago
If you believe that one of the leaseholders is absent, for whatever reasons, for more than 60 days at a time regularly then just get applicable buildings insurance.
Yes will cost a bit more but 50% is re-paid to you by each leaseholder and as you rent your flat out it’s an allowable expense against tax.
Member Since March 2020 - Comments: 189
11:05 AM, 13th August 2025, About 8 months ago
I was in a similar situation and was refused insurance by one broker but another one I often use was fine with it and didn’t charge me extra. If it costs more I would charge that leaseholder the extra portion in any case.
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 36
11:12 AM, 13th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Hi
How many flats are in the block?
Is the flat on the ground floor?
Build a case and get your broker to put the case to the insurer.
If it’s a block of 8 or more it shouldn’t really be an issue.
I arrange cover for these blocks and usually have no issue with this.
Member Since December 2019 - Comments: 29
11:39 AM, 13th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark Weedon at 13/08/2025 – 11:12
Only two flats and yes on the ground floor
Member Since December 2019 - Comments: 29
11:42 AM, 13th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 13/08/2025 – 09:57
Ideally I like to charge the leaseholder for the extra costs of the property being unoccupied but there is no clause in the lease to charge the leaseholder for any additional costs besides 50%.