Fire insurance
tenant
When an individual rents a property, the landlord almost always requires fire insurance. Mais contrairement à ce que son nom laisse penser, elle ne couvre pas seulement les incendies. L’assurance incendie du locataire protège :
The occupied dwelling, against damage caused by the tenant;
Rental liability towards the lessor ;
The tenant’s personal belongings: furniture, household appliances, personal effects.
In the event of a claim (fire, water damage, explosion, storm, etc.), the insurer indemnifies the landlord and reimburses the tenant for losses incurred, depending on the cover taken out.
Is fire insurance compulsory for tenants?
In Belgium, this insurance is compulsory in practice:
Most landlords require proof of insurance before handing over the keys.
In the Walloon and Brussels regions: All tenants are required by law to take out fire insurance.
In the Flemish region: this is not required by law, but is almost always included in rental lease contracts.
In the event of a claim (fire, water damage, explosion, storm, etc.), the insurer indemnifies the landlord and reimburses the tenant for losses incurred, depending on the cover taken out.
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What does tenant fire insurance cover?
Coverage depends on the plan chosen, but most contracts include the following benefits:
| Type of claim | Tenant coverage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Fire, explosion, smoke | ✅ Yes | Damage to dwelling and contents |
| 💧 Water damage | ✅ Yes | Leaks, pipes, seepage |
| 🌪️ Storm, hail, lightning | ✅ Yes | Roof, windows, appliances |
| 🚪 Theft, vandalism | ✅ According to option | Coverage available on furniture |
| ⚡ Liability to lessor and neighbors | ✅ Yes | If fire or water spreads |
| 🧍 Assistance and temporary relocation | ✅ According to contract | In the event of uninhabitable housing |
It’s a good idea to check whether the contract covers the contents (furniture, appliances, personal items), and not just the building.
How much does tenant fire insurance cost?
The cost varies according to the surface area of the home, its location, the type of housing and the options chosen. Here is an estimate of average prices in Belgium in 2026:
Kot or student studio: between €8 and €15/month.
Apartment: between €10 and €25/month.
House or flat-share: between €20 and €30/month.
Many Belgian insurers now offer special formulas for tenants at attractive rates, especially for young professionals and students.
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The insurance certificate: a mandatory document
Before handing over the keys, the landlord will ask for a fire insurance certificate. This document proves that the tenant is covered against the risks associated with occupancy of the property. The certificate must mention :
The name of the tenant and the address of the insured property.
Coverage period.
The type of guarantees included(rental guarantee, personal contents, etc.).
Most insurance companies provide this certificate automatically, as soon as the contract is signed.
Fire insurance for a shared flat or kot
There are two possible situations for a student lease:
- Collective lease: a single fire insurance policy covers the entire property and all the co-tenants.
Separate leases: each tenant must have his or her own insurance, covering his or her room and rental liability.
In student kot, insurance companies often offer simplified packages covering only the room, personal belongings and the tenant’s liability.
What to do in the event of a claim
In the event of fire, water damage or any other covered loss, follow these steps:
- Notify the insurer immediately, ideally within 8 days.
- Take photographs of the damage and keep damaged items until the survey has been completed.
- Inform the lessor so that he can contact his own insurer.
- Complete the claim form sent by the company.
