Recap of holiday home news: 25 August 2009
The appeal of thatched cottages
The image of a thatched cottage in the country is the quintessential countryside scene for many. There are no shortage of second home buyers and these unique properties can carry a premium when holiday letting – but there are issues associated with ownership.
The cost of upkeep and repairs can range from a few hundred pounds every few years, to complete re-thatching every 20 to 30 years, costing upto £25,000.
Thatched holiday cottages also present an increased fire risk (50 to 60 thatched homes have serious fires each year) and therefore attract higher insurance premiums, although they can be protected by a fire retardant application and specialist fire alarms.
It should be noted that most of the fires are caused due to the increase in wood burning stoves being installed into elderly chimneys, withought consideration of the thatch.
The 5 of November is also a worry, as one owner comments “I always pray for rain on Guy Fawkes’ Night”
French travel agents offer weather insurance
A travel agency in France has launched a French insurance policy to cover holidays that are spoiled by bad weather.
Apparently, holidaymakers can claim back part of the cost of their trip if they suffer at least four days of rain in any one week.
I doubt any insurer will be brave enough to launch a similar policy for UK holidays.
Legionnaires’ Disease and Hot Tubs – Landlordzone
Following a recent case of Legionnaires’ disease, The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has issued advice to help people stay safe. Legionnaires’ disease is potentially life threatening and is caused by a specific bacterium in the water system, which can cause a rare type of pneumonia if inhaled.
With the increase in UK holiday homes installing hot tubs and outside spa’s, there is a potential risk to both owners and guests if they are not correctly maintained. Always ensure plumbing is carried out by someone who is properly qualified and understands the preventative measures that need to be taken to reduce the risk. Also, keep a maintenance log that can be referred to in case of problems.
There is some further advice on Legionnaires’ disease from the Health and Safety Executive – I urge anyone with a hot tub to have a good read through, especially the further information guides.
Also, check your public liability insurance terms for injury to third parties. This should insure you should someone become ill or have an accident due to usage of your hot tub.
What to do when building sites ruin guests views
It’s every holidaymaker’s worst nightmare. You open the curtains at the rented villa/apartment and discover a building site instead of the expected beautiful sea view.
According to The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) poor accommodation remains the main complaint from unhappy bookers, although a lack of promised facilities (such as swimming pools) and distance to the beach can all form the basis of a complaint.
What are the options if the holiday does not reflect the details given in a brochure or on a website?
With package holidays the tour operators are responsible and holidaymakers can also complain to ABTA in the event of a disaster.
But what rights to compensation do those who book private holiday rentals have?
Without any industry regulator, it seems that how complaints are dealt with and any refunds are at the discretion of the property owner.
Holidaymakers
- Unhappy holidaymakers are advised to raise a problem as soon as possible with the holiday home owner or their representatives, and give them the opportunity to put things right.
- If you are unhappy with how your complaint has been handled, then the last option would be to go to the small claims court, although this will only hear claims of up to £5,000 in value.
Holiday let owners – how do you deal with requests for compensation?
- I expect that if guests can see that you are trying to put things right e.g. mend a broken boiler, replace amicrowave etc. then most will be understanding and see it as an unfortunate event.
- If guests are greeted by building work nearby, or do not have access to the swimming pool as advertised (that you were aware of but failed to mention) then what is your compensation procedure? A refund, discount off the next booking?
I welcome your views in the comments.
Algarve earthquake tremor
An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale was felt across the Algarve coastline on Tuesday August 17. There are no injuries or serious damage reported, but this is yet another reminder to check your holiday home insurance covers earthquake damage.