What constitutes damage to rented property?

The shower head fell out of your hand and chipped a piece off the edge of the bathtub. What now? Do you have to pay for the damage out of your own pocket, or will your personal liability insurance cover it? We'll tell you in our insurance article.

What exactly is covered by damage to rented property?

When you rent an apartment, you're not just renting the four walls, but also all the fixtures and fittings within them. These, like the apartment itself, remain the property of the landlord and are simply provided to you until the end of your lease. This includes, among other things, doors, windows, walls, floors, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and built-in wardrobes. If you damage any of these, you are responsible for the cost of the damage. In this case, your personal liability insurance would cover the costs.

What should be considered regarding personal liability insurance in relation to damage to rented property?

Generally, personal liability insurance covers the costs of damaged rented items. However, there are a few points to consider:

1. The sum insured: The amount of the sum insured is crucial, because if very extensive damage occurs – for example, a fire – it's quite possible that the costs will exceed the agreed sum insured, and you'll have to pay the difference yourself. So don't set it too low! A good rule of thumb is €2,500 per square meter.
2. Excess: When concluding a contract, also pay attention to whether it includes an excess or not.
3. Gradual damage: Damage doesn't always occur immediately – a burst water pipe, for example, might only cause visible damage weeks later. This is known as gradual property damage; the term encompasses any type of damage caused by temperature, smoke, soot, dust, or water. Gradual property damage isn't always covered by personal liability insurance, so you should definitely check whether your policy covers it.

Not all types of damage to rented property are covered by standard personal liability insurance. Some risks only affect specific groups of tenants, who then require additional, specialized liability insurance.

1. Furnished apartment: If you have opted for a furnished apartment including kitchen equipment, this is sometimes not covered by personal liability insurance; this depends on the respective provider or tariff.
2. Hot water and heating system: This is also usually not included in the insurance coverage.
3. Glass: Windows of any kind or other glass objects are also excluded from personal liability insurance; to protect them, you need a household insurance policy with a corresponding clause for glass breakage insurance.
4. Animal husbandry: If you have a dog that damages a rented property, the costs are usually covered by your pet liability insurance; however, check the policy terms carefully, as not every insurance policy automatically covers damage to rented property. For tamer pets, including cats, you don't need separate insurance, as they are covered by your personal liability insurance.

Incidentally, wear and tear such as discoloration, fine cracks, or abrasion does not constitute damage to the rented property. The costs for these are already covered by the rent.