Do I need fire insurance as a tenant?
Yes. The Flemish Residential Tenancy Decree states that the tenant is liable for fire and water damage, unless he or she can prove it occurred through no fault of their own. The tenant must insure that liability, with a policy that has not been suspended.
Your contents and the neighbours
The owner's fire insurance only covers the building, not your furniture, clothes or electronics. If you want to protect those against fire, water or natural disasters, and possibly theft, you take out contents insurance yourself.
If a fire that starts in your home spreads to the neighbours' house, you are liable. Family liability insurance is therefore no unnecessary luxury.
And if the owner has a waiver of recourse?
Sometimes the owner takes out fire insurance with a waiver of recourse against the tenant. The owner's insurer then cannot turn to you for the damage covered by that policy.
Even so, it does not fully replace your own insurance. You do not know whether the owner is adequately insured: in the event of underinsurance, the owner can claim the difference from you. The waiver also only applies in the cases provided for in the policy. In any case, make sure it is stated explicitly in the lease.
Frequently asked questions
What does tenant insurance cost?
That depends on the property and the value of your contents. For a flat it is usually a modest amount per year. Request a quote and we will work it out for you.
Does this also apply to commercial premises?
With a commercial lease, the terms agreed in the lease apply. There too, fire insurance for your fit-out, stock and liability is strongly recommended.