However, there are other rights not included in the law that are usually agreed verbally by both parties. To prevent problems, some insurance companies provide home insurance policies that cover these eventualities.

 

Insuring the contents of a property
When the rented flat has no furniture, the best option is for the owner of the flat to insure the content of the property - windows, pipes, walls, etc.- and for the tenant to take responsibility for the goods. The company can be the same or different, but nearly all require the landlord to communicate the particulars of the tenant. In this way, the tenant can claim for damages from the policy of the landlord if necessary.

 

If the flat is rented with furniture, the best option is for the owner to insure both the content and the goods contained by the property, also furnishing the tenant's particulars.

 

If the tenant causes damage to a neighbour, the cause needs to be determined before apportioning responsibility. If the damage has been a broken pipe, or similar, this is included in the insurance of the property's owner, so the civil responsibility rests with him.

 

However, if the damage in the neighbouring property was caused by a tenant's negligence - leaving the taps open, accidental flooding - the tenant will have to bear the damage caused in the neighbouring property and in the rented one.

 

Before a rental contract is drawn up, the landlord and tenant will need to determine the insurance they are going to sign up for to prevent possible problems derived from non-compliance of commitments.

 

Pets
If the tenant has pets, an insurance covering the physical damage they may cause is recommended. This insurance is only necessary if the animals are considered dangerous (some large dogs require it for example) but it for all types of animal to avoid being accusations of civil responsibility.