Who Pays for the Damage From a Break In at a Rented Property?

Who Pays for the Damage From a Break In at a Rented Property?

If you’ve ever been a victim of a break in at a flat or a house that you rent, then you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the damage, not to mention determining who pays for the repairs.

Unfortunately, this type of situation often leaves the tenant stuck in a confusing legal quagmire regarding their rights and options when it comes to getting compensated for damages.

This is why using a reputable locksmith service can help alleviate some of your stress. A good locksmith will be able to offer comprehensive solutions for renters affected by burglaries or tampered locks.

In this blog post, we’ll look at what steps tenants need to take after experiencing damage from a break in at their rented property and who should pay for it all.

First Before Anything: Call the Police!

If your rental property is broken into, the first thing you should do is call the police and report the crime. Make detailed notes of any damage that was done and try to estimate what items have been stolen. The police will be able to provide you with a crime number, which may be needed later when filing an insurance claim.

We have included a link to a previous blog about: ”What to Do if Your House is Broken Into” – Take a read, it may prove useful!

Contact Your Landlord Immediately

Once the police are on their way, contact your landlord immediately and let them know what has happened. They will be able to help determine who is responsible for paying for any repairs or damages that were caused by the break in. In most cases, landlords are responsible for repairs related to the physical security of their properties such as locks or doorframes that need replacing after a forced entry.

They are also typically responsible for covering costs of missing items such as furniture or electronics; however, there are some exceptions depending on your specific lease agreement, so make sure you read through it carefully before making any assumptions about who is legally liable for these costs.

It may also be worth checking with your landlord about whether they have any insurance policies in place that could cover costs associated with this type of incident as well as whether they would be willing to provide an alternative rental until repairs can be made (if applicable).

If they do not have an insurance policy in place, then it’s best to look at getting one yourself so that you can protect yourself against future break ins and other potential risks associated with renting out properties.

Landlords are legally required to have certain types of insurance that cover the building and its contents in case of damage, injury and liability.

This includes:

Landlord’s Liability Insurance
Property and Renters Insurance
Accidental Damage Insurance

Landlords may also have additional requirements based on local regulations, such as unoccupied property insurance or legal expense insurance.

Unoccupied property and vacant home insurance covers break-ins, as well as any other risks that may occur while the property is unoccupied.

It typically includes damage caused by theft, vandalism and malicious acts. This type of insurance is often required in certain areas to ensure landlords can maintain their legal obligations even if the property is not occupied.

Home Insurance Policies

Finally, if you have home insurance then check your policy details regarding coverage for break ins at rented properties, some policies may even include for things like theft and vandalism too!

However, these policies usually come with certain exclusions which may prevent them from being able to cover certain types of damage or losses so make sure you read through all terms carefully before making a decision about whether or not it’s worth investing in this type of coverage.

Preventative Measures to Protect Your Rental Property From Break Ins

CD Locksmith Services

One of the most effective ways to keep your rental property secure is by investing in quality locksmith services. A good locksmith can provide expert advice on the best type of lock for your home and will be able to install them quickly and professionally.

Here is a list of our different types of services with links to each page:

Anti Snap Locks
Burglary Repairs
Domestic Wireless Alarm Services
Door Lock Replacement
Key Safe Installations
Professional Lock Repairs
Security Surveys
uPVC Door Locks
And MORE!

Security Cameras

Another great way to protect your rental property is by installing security cameras around the perimeter of the building or inside common areas like hallways or entryways.

Security cameras provide an extra layer of protection as they allow you to monitor activities both inside and outside of your property without having someone physically present all the time. They also act as a deterrent for would be burglars who know that their actions are being recorded and monitored.

Lighting System

Installing motion sensor lighting around the exterior of your building is also a good idea if you want extra protection against break ins. Motion sensor lights are activated when movement is detected, which helps deter criminals by making them think that someone may be present even when they’re not.

This type of lighting system also helps illuminate dark areas around your property, making it easier for you or neighbours to spot any suspicious activity or potential threats before they become serious issues.

In the end, all this comes back to the same thing, it’s important for both renters and landlords to protect their rented or owned property from break ins. In this case, if you’re a renter then your key tenant insurance policy may come in handy. If you own a place and you rent it out, then your rental property insurance can safeguard your finances in the event of a break in.

CD Locksmith is here to help if you ever need assistance with any kind of lock repairs or replacements after a break in. Lastly, make sure to think proactively so that these unfortunate events don’t even happen in the first place!

Taking basic measures such as installing deadbolt locks or motion triggered security cameras will go a long way to increase the security of your rented property, so don’t forget about those either!