Bikes

[rachael503]

Hi
Hope someone can help. My partner has been renting a small unit to do up motorcycles. The unit is part of a building with approx 10 others. All closed by shutters and no identification. A couple of weeks ago he found his unit had been broken into a 2 bikes had been stolen. The people responsible went straight to his unit so knew exactly what unit they wanted. You would not know what’s in each unit.
When he asked the agent for the cctv he was told it had been stolen 3 weeks prior and had not yet been replaced. None of the unit renters had been informed that the cctv had been stolen. Is the landlord liable? Is it worth taking him to court? Naively my partner didn’t insure the unit. The bikes are off road bikes so aren’t insured.

We would be very grateful for any advice. Thanks

[islandgirl]

I rent out similar units and it is clear in the contract that I have no liability whatsoever for the goods in the units.The person storing items must insure them. What does your partner's contract say?

[EXC]

It's not my area but have you checked the terms of the rental/lease to see if CCTV is part of the deal? (not that it would neccesarilly have prevented the theft)

Maybe R0b or des8 could advise.

I've had dirt bikes all my life and have had several stolen so I know how you feel! What were the bikes exactly?

[rachael503]

They were YZ250’s .... although that means nothing to me I’m not exactly sure what his contract says at the minute. I was thinking about the cctv getting stolen and the landlord not informing them might have been an issue. I think he’s just going to take the hit and learn from it. Thanks for the advice.

[des8]

Doubt there is much that can be done as I don't suppose (even if it is part of the rental contract) that the landlord can even be accused of contributory negligence because of non provision of CCTV.

Regarding lack of insurance .. it is available for off road bikes.
You said the unit was not insured.....presumably you mean no contents cover for the rented unit?
Or did you mean he doesn't have tenants liability insurance? no! what happens if he burns the place down?

[islandgirl]

The unit owner will have the unit insured but not the contents I expect - that is what I do. I make it clear that I hold no insurance whatsoever for their items. If my unit burnt down I would claim on my insurance and I expect they would try to recover the money from whoever caused the fire (if someone did). I agree - the unit holders should hold insurance to cover them for this. We have cctv but it is not mentioned in the contract. I do not believe you could hold the unit owner liable because the cctv was not working. Indeed cctv would not prevent the theft but may have assisted in finding the culprits!

[R0b]

Agree with all other comments and to check the contract terms too. However, I would deviate slightly frm Des' point and say that if the storage company was offering/advertising their units as secure or with CCTV coverage then it's possible you could sue on them on that basis.

Section 50 of the Consumer Rights Act would help with that. Question is whether the owner has taken steps to arrange replacement of CCTV and if 3 weeks is a reasonable time to find a replacement.