Q. Last week there was a sewer backup into the basement suite I rent. There was a lot of damage to the suite; enough to file an insurance claim. Our renters’ furniture and some other possessions were also damaged and they want to be compensated. Is that part of my claim to my insurance company?
A. No! Your insurance policy covers only your losses, not those of a third party. Your renters should have renters’ insurance. It usually costs less than $25 a month and also insures them against third party liability and any loss or damage to their property wherever it happens. In any event, you are not responsible to pay for their loss. That is clearly covered in the ROMS BC tenancy agreement, and supported by many court cases and dispute resolution decisions.
-- LandlordMentor
