Home insurance is mandatory for all tenants in France
What is home insurance?
Home insurance is a mandatory contract for all tenants in France. It covers risks related to the accommodation and protects both the tenant and the landlord in case of damage.
This insurance covers damages to your home or your neighbors' (fire, water damage, explosion, theft, etc.).
Whether you're renting a shared room, coliving space, private studio, or furnished apartment, taking out home insurance is essential to move in with peace of mind.
Is home insurance mandatory?
Yes, French law requires tenants to have home insurance covering at least tenant liability. This means you must be covered for any damage you might cause to the rented property.
The landlord is entitled to request a home insurance certificate before handing over the keys and may ask for annual proof of renewal. In the absence of insurance, the landlord can:
- Take out insurance in your name and charge you the cost
- Terminate the lease for non-compliance
✔ Good to know
You can subscribe to home insurance online, often in just a few minutes.
What are the benefits of home insurance?
Home insurance is not just a legal obligation. It also offers essential protection:
- Third-party damage coverage: If you cause water damage affecting your neighbors, the insurance covers the repairs.
- Protection in case of disaster: In case of fire, burglary, or other damage, you are compensated for your material losses.
- Peace of mind: Good insurance prevents unexpected costs and protects your liability in case of a dispute.
Some insurance policies also offer additional coverage, such as legal protection, theft, or damage to equipment.
Make sure your insurance covers at least tenant liability and adjust it to your specific needs by carefully reading your contract.
Our practical advice for tenants
1. Check your contract conditions
- What coverage is included? Some policies only cover basic risks (fire, water damage), while others include theft, vandalism, or electrical damage.
- What is the deductible? This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket in case of a claim. A high deductible can make the policy less attractive.
- Are there exclusions? Some policies do not cover electronic devices or damage caused by undeclared roommates.
2. Report an incident quickly
- In case of an incident (water damage, fire, burglary), contact your insurer immediately to report the issue.
- Meet the deadlines: Generally, you have 5 days to report a claim and 2 days in case of theft.
- Keep evidence (invoices, photos) to facilitate compensation.
3. Adjust your policy when changes occur
- If you add a roommate, buy new furniture, or move, inform your insurer to adjust your coverage.
- When leaving, don't forget to cancel or transfer your insurance policy to your new home.
Conclusion: A secure home for a peaceful mind
Home insurance is essential for peaceful living. By subscribing to a suitable policy and adopting good practices, you can avoid disputes and limit financial risks in case of incidents.
Roomlers has partnered with Etudassur to offer you a €5 discount with the code SIWLD for any first-time subscription.
