🏠 Can I not insure my home?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends on your situation. A tenant is required to insure the home they rent, at least against rental risks (fire, water damage, explosion), and to prove it to the landlord each year. An owner-occupier of a detached house has no legal obligation to insure — but it's strongly recommended. In a co-ownership, by contrast, any occupant (owner or tenant) must have at least third-party liability cover (ALUR law of 2014). The managing agent also insures the building.

📋 The rules

Tenant: insurance mandatory (at least rental risks)
Proof of insurance to the landlord each year
Owner-occupier of a house: no obligation (but recommended)
In a co-ownership: minimum third-party liability mandatory (ALUR)
The managing agent insures the building in a co-ownership

🔓 Exceptions

Tied accommodation and some furnished lets: specific rules
A non-occupying owner (landlord) is wise to take landlord cover
A student housed by their parents: covered by their policy

⚠️ Penalties & fines

For the tenant, lack of insurance lets the landlord end the lease (if a clause provides) or insure on their behalf and pass on the (increased) cost. In a co-ownership, lack of liability cover breaches the ALUR obligations. Above all, without insurance a claim (fire, water damage) stays entirely yours, which can mean considerable sums.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Is home insurance mandatory?

For a tenant, yes: they must insure at least rental risks and prove it to the landlord each year. For an owner-occupier of a house, no, except in a co-ownership where third-party liability is mandatory.

Does an owner have to insure?

An owner occupying a detached house has no legal obligation, but it's strongly recommended. In a co-ownership, they must have at least third-party liability under the ALUR law.

What's the risk for an uninsured tenant?

The landlord can end the lease (if a clause provides) or take out insurance on the tenant's behalf and pass on the increased cost. Above all, the tenant alone bears any claim.

Who insures the building in a co-ownership?

The managing agent insures the building (common parts). Each occupant must also have third-party liability, and it's advisable to insure the home and contents too (multi-risk home cover).

What do rental risks cover?

At least damage to the home from fire, water damage or explosion. Multi-risk home cover goes further (theft, glass breakage, liability, personal belongings), which is strongly advised.

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