Are You Free to Choose Your Own Insurer?

YES, as a tenant, you are free to choose which insurer or intermediary you use to take out tenant liability insurance. The landlord or real estate agent cannot require you to purchase this insurance through a broker, intermediary, or insurance company designated by them.

As long as the tenant can demonstrate that a valid tenant liability insurance policy exists and that it provides sufficient coverage in accordance with the lease agreement and legal obligations, the choice of insurer or intermediary cannot be used as a valid reason to terminate the lease agreement or impose any other contractual sanction.

The tenant’s obligation is limited to having adequate insurance coverage and being able to provide proof of coverage. The freedom to choose the insurer remains fully protected.

Why Tenant Liability Insurance Is Important

When you rent a property, you are responsible as a tenant for damage that occurs during the rental period. This may include fire damage, water damage, or damage to the building caused by an accident in the property.

That is why tenant liability insurance is not an unnecessary luxury, but an important protection for both yourself and the property owner.

What Is Tenant Liability?

Tenant liability means that, as a tenant, you are liable for damage to the rented property for which you are responsible. This may include:

Fire damage
Water damage
Explosion damage
Broken glass
Electrical damage
...

The costs of such damage can quickly amount to thousands of euros. With tenant liability insurance, you avoid having to pay these costs entirely out of pocket in most cases.

Is Tenant Liability Insurance Mandatory?

In most Belgian regions, tenant liability insurance is now legally mandatory:

In Flanders, insurance is mandatory for tenants renting their main residence.
In Wallonia, insurance is also mandatory.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, it is likewise mandatory for most residential lease agreements.

Anyone without insurance not only faces financial risks, but may also encounter problems in the event of damage claims or disputes with the landlord.

Why Should Tenants Choose Good Insurance Coverage?

A good tenant insurance policy offers more than just legal compliance. It also provides:

Financial peace of mind
Protection against unexpected costs
Quick assistance in case of damage
Additional coverage such as contents insurance or family liability insurance

Even a small incident can have major consequences. A forgotten candle, a leaking washing machine, or an electrical short circuit can all lead to serious damage.