Letting fee in face of demolition
Question from Dan updated on 26th May 2016:
We recently moved into a house only to find out after 12 days that we would have to vacate the property as it is being demolished due to earthquake damage. So my question is - are we able to get our letting fee back or any compensation as we will now have to go through the process of finding another house to rent? Or have the letting agents provided their services however limited and we have no choice but to move on?
Our expert Myles Noble responded:
It would be my expectation that your lease agreement would have a "force majeure" clause whereby the pending demolition of the property is beyond the control of the landlord. I would also think it a reasonable expectation that your letting fee is refunded or waived should the letting agent find you another suitable property.
Myles Noble is head of claims and earthquake response for Crombie Lockwood. He also holds various advisory board positions in the insurance industry.