Domestic staff and second or holiday homes: general considerations for property owners

For owners of second or holiday homes in the UK and European Economic Area, maintaining a regular presence at their property can be an important aspect of overall property management and security.

Domestic staff, whether employed on a full-time, part-time, or periodic basis, may assist with day-to-day oversight of a property when the owner is not in residence.

 

Property monitoring and occupancy considerations

Some insurance policies for second and holiday homes include conditions for periods when a property is unoccupied. These conditions can vary significantly between insurers, policies, and individual circumstances.

A regular presence at a property, including visits by domestic staff where appropriate, may assist with routine property monitoring and inspections. The presence of domestic staff, however, should not be assumed to influence insurance decisions or the handling of any future claim.

Where domestic staff are engaged to work at a property, there may also be insurance considerations for public liability and employers' liability. The relevance of these covers will depend on the individual circumstances and arrangements in place. Property owners may wish to review their insurance arrangements with their insurer or broker, regardless of whether staff are employed directly or engaged on a contracted basis.

 

Identifying property issues

Regular inspections of a property can help to identify maintenance issues or damage at an early stage. Examples of inspection areas could include:

• Escapes of water incidents, such as leaks or burst pipes.


• Weather-related damage, including the effects of freezing temperatures or storm damage.


• General maintenance concerns that may develop during periods when the property is unattended.

Early identification of issues may help limit the extent of property damage, though outcomes will depend on the nature of the incident and the actions taken.

 

Security and property oversight

Properties that are visited or monitored regularly may benefit from greater oversight than those left unattended for extended periods. Regular attendance may also assist with the identification of:

• Unauthorised access.


• Vandalism or malicious damage.


• Signs of attempted theft or property intrusion.

The extent to which regular attendance influences risk will vary according to the property's location, security arrangements, and other individual factors.

 

Responding following adverse events

Where a property is affected by events such as storms, flooding, or other unexpected incidents, an individual present at or visiting the property may be able to assess the situation and arrange appropriate assistance where necessary.

The effectiveness of any response will depend on the circumstances of the event, access to the property, and the individual's ability to act safely and appropriately. Any actions taken following an incident should not be assumed to determine how an insurer will assess or respond to a claim.

While domestic staff may be able to assist with identifying issues and communicating information following an incident, communication with an insurer or broker regarding any issue or insurance claim would typically be undertaken by the policyholder.

 

Practical considerations

If you use domestic staff to help look after your second or holiday home, you may wish to consider:

• Agreeing on how and when routine property inspections will be carried out.


• Reviewing your property insurance's occupancy conditions and ensuring inspection arrangements remain appropriate.


• Checking whether employers' liability or public liability insurance may be relevant where domestic staff are engaged.

 

Considering your insurance arrangements

If your circumstances change, such as employing domestic staff or changing how your property is managed, it may be worthwhile discussing your insurance arrangements with your insurer or insurance broker to ensure your policy continues to meet your needs.

Fidentia Insurance's private client team can provide information on insurance considerations for second and holiday homes and discuss individual circumstances with property owners.

 

Contact: Fidentia Insurance Brokers Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 20 3150 0080 Email: MatthewTerrett@fidentiains.com

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as personal advice or a recommendation. Insurance policy terms, conditions, exclusions, occupancy requirements, underwriting criteria and claims assessments vary between insurers and individual risks.

Nothing in this article should be interpreted as indicating that the presence of domestic staff will influence the availability of cover, underwriting decisions, premium levels, policy terms, claims handling, or the outcome of any claim. All insurance and claims decisions are subject to the terms of the policy and the insurer's assessment of the individual circumstances.