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We work with leading UK insurers for office blocks & commercial property
PROTECTING SHARED SPACES IN OFFICE BLOCKS & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
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SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
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TENANTS & VISITORS
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BUILDING FABRIC & FIXTURES
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MANAGING AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Why Communal Areas Need Their Own Liability & Property Cover
In most office blocks and multi-occupied commercial buildings, no single tenant is responsible for the
shared areas – lobbies, corridors, stairwells, lifts, car parks, toilets and external paths. Instead,
responsibility usually lies with the freeholder, landlord, RTM company or managing agent on behalf of
the service charge.
If someone slips on a wet lobby floor, trips on a damaged step or is injured in a car park, they are
likely to pursue the building owner or management company. Likewise, damage to flooring, glass, communal
lighting, internal finishes and shared plant can leave a significant bill. Dedicated communal areas
liability and property cover helps protect those responsible parties and ensures appropriate insurance
is in place for these shared risks.
Key Communal Areas Liability & Property Cover
Core protections typically arranged for freeholders, landlords, RTM/RTF companies and managing agents.
- Property Damage – to the fabric and fixtures of communal areas, including floors, walls, ceilings and glazing.
- Public Liability – claims for injury or property damage to tenants, visitors, contractors and the public in communal areas.
- Employers’ Liability – where directly employed caretakers, cleaners or maintenance staff are engaged.
- Communal Plant & Machinery – lifts, lighting, boilers and other shared services (often under the main building policy).
- Glass & Signage – damage to entrance doors, internal glass and external signage in shared spaces.
- Car Parks & External Paths – liability for accidents in shared parking, access roads and walkways.
- Property Owners’ Liability – wider liability as the building owner or landlord for defects in the premises.
- Loss of Rent/Service Charge – where insured damage to communal areas prevents tenants using the building.
Common Risks in Office Block Communal Areas
- Slips on wet or recently cleaned floors in lobbies and corridors.
- Trips on worn carpets, loose tiles, uneven steps or damaged thresholds.
- Injuries connected to poorly lit stairwells, car parks or external paths.
- Accidents involving lifts, automatic doors or other communal equipment.
- Water leaks from communal pipework affecting multiple units.
- Impact damage to walls, pillars or doors in loading bays and car parks.
- Vandalism or malicious damage to entrance doors, mailboxes or shared toilets.
- Disputes between tenants and landlords over who is responsible for repairs and claims.
Why Arrange Communal Areas Cover Through Insure24?
- Experience arranging cover for office blocks, mixed-use blocks and multi-tenant buildings.
- Understanding of landlord, RTM company and managing agent responsibilities.
- Ability to integrate communal cover into a wider office block or property owner policy.
- Flexible liability limits depending on building size, footfall and tenant profile.
- Support with service charge wording and evidencing cover to leaseholders or tenants.
- Access to UK insurers with specialist commercial property and liability teams.
- Guidance on risk management – signage, lighting, cleaning regimes and maintenance records.
How to Arrange Communal Areas Liability & Property Cover
- 1. Confirm who is responsible – landlord, freeholder, RTM company or management company.
- 2. Provide basic building details – location, number of storeys, construction and occupancy type.
- 3. Outline the communal areas – stairwells, lifts, toilets, car parks, reception, loading bays etc.
- 4. Share claims history for slips, trips, falls or property damage in shared spaces.
- 5. Tell us about your risk management – cleaning schedules, inspections, lighting and CCTV.
- 6. We obtain quotes for property and liability cover matched to your responsibilities.
- 7. You receive documentation suitable for lenders, tenants and managing agents.
Who Is Communal Areas Liability & Property Cover Designed For?
Suitable for a wide range of stakeholders involved in managing and owning office blocks and commercial buildings.
Property Owners & Landlords
- Freeholders & Commercial Landlords
- Property Investment Companies
- Pension Fund & Institutional Owners
- Small Portfolio Landlords with Single Office Blocks
- Property Owners with Mixed-Use Office/Shop Buildings
- Landlords with Serviced/Managed Office Space
Management & Resident Entities
- Property Management & Managing Agent Firms
- Right to Manage (RTM) & Residents’ Management Companies
- Service Charge/Management Companies for Multi-let Blocks
- Facilities Management Companies Acting on Behalf of Owners
- Office Park & Business Centre Operators
- Landlords of Shared Entrance and Core Areas
We manage several multi-let office blocks with busy reception areas and car parks. Insure24 helped us separate tenant liabilities from landlord responsibilities and put clear communal area cover in place, which has made claims and service charge discussions much easier.
Helen R., Property Management DirectorFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Who is responsible for insuring communal areas in an office block?
Responsibility typically sits with the freeholder, landlord, RTM company or management company,
depending on the lease structure. Tenants usually contribute via the service charge rather than
insuring communal areas directly.
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Is communal liability covered under a standard property owners’ policy?
Many property owners’ policies do include liability for communal areas, but only if the insurer
understands the layout, usage and footfall. It’s important to check that the policy schedule
properly reflects all shared areas and responsibilities.
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What limit of public liability should we choose for communal areas?
Common limits are £2m, £5m or £10m, depending on building size, occupier mix and lender or
head lease requirements. We can help you choose a limit appropriate for your risk profile and obligations.
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Does this insurance cover injuries in the car park or external walkways?
Yes, provided those areas are included within the insured premises and under your control
as property owner or manager. We will ask you to confirm how these areas are used and maintained
when arranging cover.
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Can we pay for communal area insurance monthly through the service charge year?
Monthly premium finance is usually available (subject to status). Many landlords and management
companies find this helpful when aligning insurance costs with service charge collection cycles.