Theft in rental property: insurance coverage
Has your rental property been burgled? Insurance coverage, conditions, steps and tips for the tenant and landlord in Belgium.
What theft insurance covers in a rental
Theft coverage is typically included in the home insurance (multirisque) policy. It covers the tenant’s personal belongings stolen during a burglary:
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Furniture, electronics, clothing | Items left in common areas |
| Jewellery (up to a cap) | Cash beyond a small amount |
| Professional equipment (if declared) | Items stolen from a vehicle |
| Damage caused during the break-in | Theft by a household member |
The building (doors, windows, locks) damaged during the burglary is covered by the landlord’s insurance, not the tenant’s.
Coverage limits vary by policy. Standard policies cover EUR 15,000-30,000 in contents; premium policies cover up to EUR 100,000. Jewellery and valuables are often capped at 20-30% of the total contents cover.
Conditions for compensation
The insurer requires:
- Forced entry: there must be evidence of a break-in (forced door, broken window, picked lock). No forced entry = no theft cover in most policies.
- Police report: filed within 24 hours of discovering the theft
- Security measures: compliance with the security requirements of the policy (3-point lock, windows closed during absence)
- Occupancy clause: most policies suspend theft cover if the property is unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days
- Inventory: a list of stolen items with their approximate value
Common exclusions
- Theft without break-in (door left unlocked)
- Theft by a person with authorised access (cleaner, guest)
- Theft of items stored in cellars or garages (limited or excluded)
- Theft during moving (gap period)
The steps after a burglary
Immediately
- Do not touch anything: the crime scene must be preserved for police
- Call the police (101 or local police station)
- File a complaint: obtain the police report number
- Notify your insurer within 48 hours
- Notify the landlord: for building damage (door, window, lock)
Within the following days
- List all stolen items: with descriptions, purchase dates, approximate values
- Gather proof: invoices, photos, warranty cards, bank statements
- Receive the expert: the insurer may send an expert for claims above EUR 5,000
- Secure the property: replace locks, repair windows (keep invoices)
Compensation timeline
Typically 4-8 weeks from declaration. The insurer pays the replacement value minus the excess and any depreciation (depending on the policy terms).
Preventing theft in a rental
For the tenant
- Install a 3-point lock (or request the landlord to do so)
- Close and lock windows when leaving, even briefly
- Do not leave keys under the doormat or in the letterbox
- Use a timer for lights during extended absences
- Do not announce absences on social media
For the landlord
- Install quality locks on all entry points
- Consider a burglar alarm system (may reduce the tenant’s premium)
- Ensure the entry door of the building is secure
- In co-ownership, maintain the intercom and entry code system
- Include a security clause in the lease
The rental management software allows you to track security equipment and maintenance. For creating a lease with proper insurance requirements, use our online lease generator.