Responsibilities for buildings insurance and maintenance in Ruskin Court depend on the type of property. The responsibilities are defined in the leases, which prevail over the following explanatory notes.

Seven apartments If you own one of these (numbered 4 to 10 in the central building), the company, Ruskin Court Residents Ltd, both insures and maintains the entire structure of the building and the common areas. Further, the company insures but does not maintain your internal fixtures and fittings. You pay for this insurance within your monthly service charge.

In the event of total loss the company's insurance would reinstate the interior of your property to the standard assumed when it was first built. Insurance of your interior by the company is actually at variance with your lease, which says you are responsible for insuring your interior and fixtures (called demised premises). Nevertheless we have confirmed with our insurer that interior fixtures are covered by the company's policy. But, if you have a higher standard interior than envisaged, you should insure the extra yourself. Normally this can be added as a separate category to any contents insurance you may have.

Please note that you are responsible for maintenance within your property (wiring, plumbing, etc.) and it can jeopardise an insurance claim if you are not diligent with maintenance, in which case you would be personally liable for consequent damage.

Five maisonettes If you own one of these (numbered 1 to 3 and 38 & 39), Ruskin Court Residents Ltd insures the structure of the buildings and associated garages. Further, the company insures your internal fixtures and fittings to a certain quality level. A fair share of this insurance cost must be paid by you to the company in addition to your common share of the Estate service charge.

In the event of total loss the company's insurance would reinstate the interior of your property to the standard assumed when it was first built. Insurance of your interior by the company is actually at variance with your lease, which says you are responsible for insuring your interior and fixtures (called demised premises). Nevertheless we have confirmed with our insurer that interior fixtures are covered by the company's policy. But, if you have a higher standard interior than envisaged, you should insure the extra yourself. Normally this can be added as a separate category to any contents insurance you may have.

With the other owners in your building you are jointly responsible for maintenance of your building(s), on an equal basis in the case of numbers 1 to 3. Maintenance within your property (wiring, plumbing, etc.) is your sole responsibility. It can jeopardise an insurance claim if any maintenance has not been diligently completed, whether knowingly or not.

Six houses If you own one of these (numbered 11, 12 and 34 to 37), you are responsible for both insurance and maintenance of the entire property. Your lease says insurance must be in the joint names of yourself and Ruskin Court Residents Ltd, and the company has the right to examine your policy and evidence that the premium has been paid.

In all cases insurers require diligence by the occupier, including surveillance and maintenance. The duration of extended periods without occupation should be notified to the managing agent. Expect special provisions and extra premium over 60 days. Your own insurer could set a limit of 30 days or less. The water supply should be turned off during absence overnight. Central heating should be kept on during any absence, if at a reduced room temperature. 15°C is normally recommended. (Modern central heating systems can be left on with the water supply turned off.)