Is Mold Damage Covered By Rental Insurance?
1/31/2022 (Permalink)
Mold Removal
Rental insurance policies may include automatic endorsements for mold damage or exclude this type of damage. These policies generally cover damage to a tenant's personal property. When it comes to a rented property, tenants are only liable for mold resulting from a leak that they have caused. Here are a few considerations for renters pursuing mold removal.
The Cause of the Damage
Renters insurance should cover damage caused by a leak that is beyond the tenant's control. A policyholder may need to provide proof of several conditions:
- The presence of water damage
- No personal liability for damage
- Proof of mitigation
A tenant should notify a property owner of the presence of a leak in a timely manner and try to prevent mold growth. Rental policies should also cover contents exposed to water damage, which is likely to be a precursor to mold.
The Terms of a Policy
Tenants should carefully review the terms of a rental insurance policy. Some policies feature automatic endorsements for several problems resulting from water damage:
- Mold
- Fungus
- Rot
If these conditions are carved out of a policy, the cost of mold removal will not be covered. Remediating damaged contents out-of-pocket may still be less expensive than replacement.
Ways To Mitigate Damage
Tenants' responsibilities for rental properties are limited. As long as a tenant does not cause a leak or another source of water damage that results in mold, his or her primary duty is to notify a landlord about a problem before mold becomes an issue.
Rental insurance may or may not cover the cost of restoring damage caused by mold at a residence in Cedar Creek, TX. Coverage for water damage is more likely. Report primary damage to a property owner or manager and take measures to prevent mold growth. If a policy provides any coverage, these measures may make it easier to file a claim.