How to claim for intentional vandalism by tenants
Found intentional damage at your rental property? Don’t worry, your Initio landlord insurance policy covers up to $25,000 of intentional damage by tenants. If you’ve found holes in walls, smashed windows, graffiti etc, please follow our below steps.
What you need to do
- Take photos of the damage – it helps us if scale is provided in the photos, take both close up and pulled back photos
- Get a quote to repair any damage – a room-by-room- itemised quote will speed up the settlement process
- Login to your initio dashboard and select ‘Make a Claim’ on the property. Complete our smart claims process and attach your photos and quotes.
- Hold tight. We will email or call within a business day to tell you what happens next.
- Consider applying to the tenancy tribunal for vacant possession, and to recover any uninsured losses.
Remember the more information the better. We will require other documents such as:
- Tenancy agreement
- The most recent 3 inspection reports
- Tenant references & application
- Or anything you might think is relevant
This can help us determine when damage occurred, and speed up our claims process for you.
What will we cover?
The intentional damage caused by the tenant is covered. However, bear in mind that insurance is designed to help you recover from unexpected sudden losses, but does not cover damage that has occurred throughout the tenancy. Like all insurance, an excess will apply to each damage incident.
If there has been damage from one event – such as an out of control tenant party – all the damage could be covered under one excess. However, if any of the damage has occurred throughout a tenancy, multiple excesses will apply.
When do Multiple Excesses Apply?
What won’t we cover?
House insurance covers sudden and unexpected events. We understand that there can be other areas of damage or neglect to your property. Unfortunately, insurance cannot cover everything!
- Rent arrears
- Wear and tear
- Rot or other gradual deterioration
- Rubbish removal
- Cleaning costs
- Gardening costs
- Repairs under excess
- Removal of tenants belongings
Some of your ‘uninsured losses’ can be claimed back via the tenancy tribunal.
FAQ’s
Am I covered for loss of rent?
If the home is so badly damaged that it is deemed ‘uninhabitable’, you might be entitled to loss of rent. ‘Uninhabitable’ means unable to be lived in. For example, no access to kitchen or bathroom facilities, water or electricity. There is no cover for loss of rent if the repairs are just cosmetic (carpet/painting/plastering etc).
Will initio send an assessor?
If damage is significant and needs further examination we may get an assessor to your property. Usually, if the damage is likely to be under $5,000 then we are happy to proceed based on photographs and formal written quotations.
What is my excess?
Your standard policy excess will apply. This amount is chosen when you first purchase your policy. If you can’t remember, check your policy schedule which you can find on your dashboard.
Can I use my own repairer or does initio have companies I must use?
You can use any repairer or supplier you like as long as their costs are reasonable. Please make sure you are happy with the standard of work they provide.