Home insurance in co-tenancy: who pays?
In co-tenancy, who takes out home insurance? Single or individual policy, cost allocation, joint liability clause and practical tips.
Is home insurance mandatory in co-tenancy?
Yes, home insurance is required in co-tenancy just as in any other lease arrangement. If the lease contains a fire insurance clause (which it does in 95%+ of Belgian leases), all flatmates must be covered.
The question is not whether to insure, but how: a single joint policy or individual policies for each flatmate?
Both options are legal and each has advantages. The choice depends on the stability of the co-tenancy and the flatmates’ preferences.
Single policy or individual policies
Single policy (one contract for all)
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Cheaper (20-30% less than individual total) | Must be amended at each departure/arrival |
| Single excess per claim | One flatmate’s negligence affects all |
| Simpler for the landlord (one certificate) | All flatmates must agree on the insurer |
Individual policies (one per flatmate)
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Complete independence | More expensive overall |
| No amendment needed when someone leaves | Multiple excesses possible for a single claim |
| Each flatmate chooses their insurer and cover | More complex for the landlord |
Our recommendation
- Stable co-tenancy (friends, couple, long-term): single policy
- High-turnover co-tenancy (students, short stays): individual policies
For co-tenancy lease specifics, consult our guide on co-tenancy leases in Belgium.
Joint liability clause and insurance
If the lease contains a joint liability clause, each flatmate is liable for the full rent and all damage. This has insurance implications:
- If one flatmate is uninsured and causes a claim, the insured flatmates may be asked to cover the uninsured flatmate’s share
- The landlord may claim against any flatmate for damage, regardless of who caused it
- It is therefore essential that all flatmates are covered
With individual policies, make sure each policy covers at least:
- Tenant liability (fire, water damage, explosion)
- Civil liability for damage to neighbours
- Contents cover for personal belongings
Practical tips
- Verify coverage before signing: every flatmate must be insured from day one
- Provide certificates to the landlord: the landlord may request proof of insurance at any time
- When a flatmate leaves: update the single policy or ensure the new flatmate has insurance
- Contents value: each flatmate should assess their own belongings — shared items should be listed clearly
- In case of a claim: only one declaration is needed with a single policy; with individual policies, each flatmate may need to declare separately
For more information on insurance in a rental context, consult our guide on tenant home insurance or rental insurance in Belgium.