Tenant Liability Insurance protects you, as a tenant, if you cause material damage to the property you rent. It's a key component of the broader Home Protect policy, offering peace of mind by covering your legal responsibility for damage to the building you're living in.
Why is tenant liability insurance important?
As a tenant, you’re legally presumed responsible for any damage to the rented property under civil law and regional rules (like in Flanders and Wallonia). Even if the damage wasn’t intentional, you may still be held liable—especially in cases like fire or water damage.
In some regions, it’s legally required:
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In Flanders and Wallonia, tenant fire liability insurance is often mandatory.
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Even if it’s not required by law, it’s highly recommended to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs.
What does tenant liability insurance cover?
This insurance covers material damage to the rented building caused by you—or others you're responsible for—under your tenancy.
Here’s what’s typically covered:
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Damage to the insured building that you're presumed liable for.
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Damage caused by someone staying in your home (e.g., a house-sitter or room renter).
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Damage to rented garages or parking spaces used by you.
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Damage to a temporary residence (if your home becomes uninhabitable and you are liable for the damage).
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Liability for making the property unusable due to material damage.
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Third-party property damage caused by your rented home or contents (e.g., fire spreading to a neighbour’s building).
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Civil Recourse: Helps recover costs if a third party causes damage to your rented property and you’re not in a contractual relationship with them.
What is not covered by tenant liability insurance?
While broad, the policy has clear exclusions. These are common scenarios where you’re not covered:
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Intentional damage or fraud
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War, military actions, or related damage
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Mould, insects, fungi, or spores, unless directly caused by a covered incident
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Nuclear or radioactive damage
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Long-term environmental pollution
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Asbestos-related damage
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Purely aesthetic damage (e.g. minor scratches or discolouration)
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Neglecting safety measures (like not draining pipes during freezing weather)
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Failure to repair previous causes of damage
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Damage to properties under construction or in disrepair
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Tenant-caused theft or vandalism of the building
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Neglected maintenance, especially of plumbing and oil systems
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Damage to specific systems like leaking appliances or gutter systems
Keep in mind
If anything happens, please call the 24/7 emergency assistance service for help. Then, always fill out the online claim form to submit a claim—even if you’re not sure whether it’s covered. That way, we can keep a clear record and take a closer look at your situation. Just remember to keep any relevant receipts or official documents, like a police report in case of theft, to help support your claim.