What does the law say?
The Flemish Residential Tenancy Decree makes the tenant liable for fire and water damage, unless he or she can prove it occurred through no fault of their own. You must insure that liability, with a policy that has not been suspended. The landlord may ask for proof.
Three things you want covered
- Your tenant's liability: damage to the owner's building caused by fire or water.
- Your contents: furniture, clothes and electronics are not covered by the owner's policy.
- Your liability towards third parties: if a fire spreads to the neighbours, you are liable. That is what family liability insurance is for.
A waiver of recourse is no free pass
If the owner has a policy with a waiver of recourse against the tenant, the owner's insurer cannot turn to you. But in the event of underinsurance, the owner can claim the difference from you, and the waiver only applies in the cases provided for in the policy. So you still need your own policy.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have no insurance and there is a fire?
Then you bear the cost of the damage to the building, your contents and possibly the damage to the neighbours yourself. That can involve large sums.
