The obligation to insure housing is very limited, but in reality, home insurance is a necessity because it makes it possible to deal with risks and claims, the costs of which can turn out to be very high.

SUMMARY

  • Home insurance, an obligation for the tenant
  • What coverage for the tenant?
  • What are the consequences in the event of a lack of insurance for your home?
  • Home insurance for the owner, essential coverage

Is home insurance compulsory?
Is home insurance compulsory?

Home insurance, an obligation for the tenant

Taking out home insurance is compulsory for a tenant , under article 7 of law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989 relating to rental relations. He must indeed submit a certificate of insurance :

  • upon entering the property,
  • when renewing the rental contract.

Note: the owner sometimes requires an annual insurance certificate.

The insurance obligation also applies to shared accommodation . At least one roommate must be able to provide proof of home insurance. Nevertheless, taking out rental civil liability is the minimum recommended for each occupant of the shared property.

What coverage for the tenant?

A tenant's home insurance covers his tenant's civil liability . As occupant of the property, he is in fact responsible for the damage caused to the property of the owner, and by extension, for the damage that neighbors and third parties may suffer due to:

  • of a fire
  • an explosion
  • water damage

In the event of a claim, rental risk insurance covers the damage resulting from these 3 types of events . Home insurance taken out to cover rental risks can also cover the civil liability inherent in the rental of a holiday resort . It also insures the private life civil liability of the policyholders (very important guarantee which covers all damage caused to a third party in the context of private life) and their movable property.

What are the consequences in the event of a lack of insurance for your home?

If the tenant does not take out home insurance despite the owner's formal notice, the latter can take out a contract in his name and pass on the premium in the monthly rent. He can also terminate the lease as of right , when a clause is provided for this purpose in the contract.

Home insurance for the owner, essential coverage

If it is not mandatory, home insurance is strongly recommended for an owner occupying his home. And for good reason: it is she who will pay for the damage caused by her property or by herself in the event of a claim, and the damage that she herself has suffered (for example, a fire can destroy the entire housing and the cost of its reconstruction will then be borne by the insurer). Only the owners of a condominium are required to take out civil liability insurance to cover damage caused by the property or its occupants to others.

  • Namely: 

Non-occupant owner insurance protects the latter for claims that are not covered by the tenant's insurance.

Colocation: 

A single contract is sufficient to cover all the occupants of the colocation. They are thus insured for all guarantees, including civil liability for private life or assistance.*

  • Owner, tenant:

The Home Insurance contract protects your home and your belongings with solid guarantees in the event of a claim. From the first formula, the insurance covers damage resulting from water damage, fire, explosion, burglary.

You also benefit from emergency services (locksmith, plumbing, electricity, etc.) and travel assistance.