Weeding out offenders

Vandals are taking advantage of vacant properties leading to a hike in claims warns RSA. Illegal raves, cannabis cultivation and flooding of properties are just some of the actions owners of vacant buildings are claiming for. But the insurer has warned that some claims are invalid if property owners don’t conduct regular checks.

Chris Withers, regional director of property investors, RSA, said: “Without these inspections, the building will not be insured and any damage caused to the property will have to be paid for by the property owner, adding to the already high costs of vacant property.”