Shared house contents insurance: everything you need to know to stay protected

Whether you're a student, a young professional, or a cohabiting couple, making sure your personal possessions are properly insured is essential. This guide will walk you through what contents cover includes, how it works in a shared accommodation, and how to pick the right insurance policy.

What is home insurance for shared accommodation?

Strictly speaking, there is no specific policy labeled “shared accommodation insurance.” However, the law requires each tenant to insure the property they occupy, whether they live alone or with others.

If you live with others, you must hold a policy that includes, at a minimum:

• Civil liability

• Rental risk coverage

Important: Rental risk insurance is limited in scope. It only covers damage to the building caused by fire, water leaks, or explosions. It does not cover:

• Damage to neighbors’ property

• Personal belongings of your roommates

This is why it’s strongly recommended to opt for comprehensive home insurance (MRH), which typically includes:

• Property damage

• Liability and tenant coverage

• Theft and burglary protection

• Natural disaster and electrical surge cover

• And more

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See also >> Living in a community: the complete guide

What types of coverage are available?

Although basic insurance is mandatory, additional protections are worth considering for shared living spaces:

• Civil liability: Covers damage or injury caused by a roommate to others

• Property damage: Covers loss or damage to furniture, appliances, or valuables

• Theft or burglary: Protects contents in case of break-in

• Legal protection: Covers costs in legal disputes with landlords or roommates

For the best protection, you can opt for insurance tailored to students or roommates, which offers extended coverage for shared living situations.

Do all roommates need insurance?

If you're all named on a single lease, only one person is required by law to hold rental risk insurance. This fulfills the legal obligation for the entire household.

However, each person is financially responsible for their portion of the rent and any related liabilities. If damage occurs due to one occupant's actions, repair costs or deductibles are generally split according to each person's share of the rent.

©Vlada Karpovich

For example, if rent is $1,000 and two people pay $500 each, each person would typically cover 50% of any repair or deductible costs.

See also >> Understanding the difference between coliving and roommate sharing

Is it mandatory to provide proof to the landlord?

Legally, tenants must provide proof of insurance to the landlord or property manager. This document confirms that civil liability coverage is in place for potential damage to the property or others.

That said, the law doesn’t require tenants to submit the certificate unless specifically requested. A simple clause in the lease may suffice. Still, it’s highly recommended to keep this document available and ensure you're properly insured.

What happens when a roommate Moves Out?

A change in who lives in the home can affect the insurance, depending on the type of policy in place.

• If each person has their own policy, nothing changes when someone leaves.

• If there is a joint insurance policy, it may need to be updated to reflect the change.

Most home insurance policies are written to cover all listed residents. If someone new moves in, they should be added to the policy to ensure continued protection.

How to take out a policy for shared Living

Follow these steps to get insured the right way:

1. List your possessions and estimate their value - this helps determine the right coverage.

2. Compare offers from different insurers. Look at price, terms, and coverage.

3. Request a quote, providing key info such as number of occupants, apartment size, and number of rooms.

4. Discuss the quote with your roommates and get agreement.

5. Sign the policy and make sure everyone receives a copy.

Every insurance company has its own rules and fine print for shared housing - read them carefully and ask questions when in doubt.

How to Choose the Best Insurance Option?

Choosing the right contents insurance for shared house living is all about balance:

1. Check coverage: Does it include shared items or only private belongings?

2. Review exclusions: Some insurers won’t cover high-value items or student homes.

3. Compare quotes: Use tools to get the best rate based on address, house size, and number of tenants.

4. Ask about add-ons:

   • High-value items (e.g. bikes, gaming gear)

   • Legal protection

   • Away-from-home protection

   • Emergency repairs

Bonus tip: Make an inventory of your possessions and estimate their value—this helps avoid underinsurance.

A New Way to Live Together

One thing is clear: shared living is no longer just for students. Like lifestyle hotels and modern coliving spaces, this way of living is attracting people of all ages.

More than just housing, people now seek connection, comfort, and experience. Hife meets this demand with thoughtfully designed residences that offer more than just a place to sleep.

Book your apartment online in just a few clicks.
Our motto: Live life to the fullest - we’ll handle the rest.