Who pays for damages after a burglary?

Greg asks:
(updated on Tuesday, September 29th 2009)

My rental property was recently burgled. The tenants did not have insurance. Who is liable to pay for the broken window?

Our Experts Answer:

Tenants are liable for any damage they or their invited guests cause carelessly or intentionally. If the damage was not caused by the tenants or their invited guests, then it is usually the landlord’s responsibility to repair it.

In the case of a burglary, tenants should also report the incident to the police. To discuss your situation further, you can contact the Department of Building and Housing on 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.

 

 

Most Read

Unity First Home Buyer special 3.99
SBS FirstHome Combo 3.99
ICBC 4.25
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 4.35
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.45
TSB Special 4.49
ANZ Special 4.49
ASB Bank 4.49
SBS Bank Special 4.49
Unity Special 4.49
Westpac Special 4.49
TSB Special 4.00
Kiwibank Special 4.49
Kainga Ora 4.49
Nelson Building Society 4.59
ICBC 4.59
Unity Special 4.65
SBS Bank Special 4.69
ANZ Special 4.69
BNZ - Std 4.69
Westpac Special 4.75
ASB Bank 4.75
ICBC 4.99
Kainga Ora 5.15
SBS Bank Special 5.29
Westpac Special 5.29
BNZ - Std 5.29
Kiwibank Special 5.39
TSB Special 5.39
ASB Bank 5.45
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.45
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 5.49
BNZ - Classic 5.59
SBS FirstHome Combo 3.29
AIA - Back My Build 3.34
SBS Construction lending for FHB 3.74
CFML 321 Loans 3.95
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.99
Co-operative Bank - Standard 4.99
Heartland Bank - Online 5.30
ICBC 5.39
Kiwibank - Offset 5.65
Kiwibank 5.65
Kainga Ora 5.69