Shared Housing: Tenant Insurance in France

Living in shared housing in France requires choosing adequate home insurance. Tenants often wonder whether to subscribe to a common policy covering the entire dwelling or to keep individual contracts. This choice affects claim handling, allocation of responsibilities after a loss, and steps with the insurer. This article clearly explains the differences between common and individual insurance, who is responsible under the law, which damages are covered, and how to prepare a lease and an inventory of fixtures that protect each tenant. You will also find practical steps to decide, recommendations for documenting a claim, and where to find the official texts in France.

Types of insurance in shared housing

There are two main approaches:

• Common insurance: a single contract signed by all or by the leaseholder covering the entire dwelling.
• Individual insurances: each tenant has their own policy for their liability and personal belongings.

Responsibilities and claims

In case of damage (water damage, fire, broken glass...), responsibility depends on the cause of the damage and lease clauses. If the damage results from a tenant's action, their personal insurance may be used; if the loss affects the entire dwelling, a common policy is generally simpler for claim management.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Common insurance: simplifies claims management but can create issues if a tenant refuses to contribute to payment.
• Individual insurances: preserve each person's financial autonomy but require coordination between insurers in case of shared claims.

What the law says

In France, the 1989 law governs rental contracts and party obligations: the tenant must obtain liability insurance when the lease requires it, and leases often specify insurance obligations. For precise rules on the lease and liability, refer to official texts and model agreements and inventories of fixtures^[1][2].

How to choose between common and individual

The decision depends on trust between tenants, each person's ability to pay, and the type of items to insure. Here are concrete comparison points:

• Total cost and how premiums are split among tenants.
• Scope of coverages (water damage, fire, theft, liability).
• Procedure in case of a claim and single point of contact or multiple insurers.

Practical steps after a claim

In case of a claim: notify the insurer within the deadlines specified in the policy, keep evidence (photos, invoices), and inform the landlord if necessary. If responsibility is disputed, the departmental conciliation commission can assist before approaching the court.

FAQ

Is insurance mandatory in shared housing?

The lease can require home insurance. When the contract specifies it, each tenant must be insured or one tenant may insure on behalf of all according to the lease terms.

What if a roommate refuses to pay for a common policy?

Check the lease and attempt conciliation. If unsuccessful, civil actions may be brought before the judicial court.

How to prove a claim?

Dated photos, estimates, invoices and written reports help build a solid file for the insurer.

How-To

1. Read the lease to identify insurance obligations.
2. Compare guarantees and prices offered by insurers.
3. Decide on a common policy or individual insurances with written agreement from all.
4. Formalize cost sharing and keep payment proofs.
5. Carry out a thorough inventory of fixtures on move-in and move-out to ease compensation.

Key takeaways

• Check your lease before choosing an insurance option.
• Always document the condition of the dwelling with photos and receipts.
• Prefer written agreements between roommates to avoid disputes.

Help and Support

• Service-public.fr
• Legifrance - Loi n°89-462

1. [1] Legifrance - Loi n°89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Models of contract and inventory of fixtures