Is vandalism covered by landlord insurance?

Coming to your rental property and seeing broken windows, spray paint, or damaged doors is every landlord's nightmare. It leads to an important question: does insurance cover vandalism? And more specifically—does landlord insurance cover tenant vandalism?

In many cases, the answer is yes—but there are important details to understand about what's covered, what's excluded, and how to file a vandalism insurance claim.

Vandalism affects thousands of rental properties each year, with property crimes costing landlords millions in damages and lost rental income. Understanding your insurance coverage before an incident occurs can save you significant time, money, and stress when dealing with property damage.

Is vandalism covered by insurance?

In most cases, vandalism is a covered peril under a standard landlord insurance policy (often a DP-3 policy). This means your insurance may help pay for repairs if someone intentionally damages your property.

Covered acts of vandalism might include:

• Graffiti or spray paint
• Broken windows or doors
• Smashed appliances or fixtures
• Damage to landscaping or fences
• Interior destruction from forced entry

However, policies vary. Some bare-bones landlord insurance policies, especially DP-1 forms, may not include vandalism coverage unless added as an endorsement. It's essential to confirm whether your policy includes it.

Understanding Policy Types and Vandalism Coverage

The type of landlord insurance policy you carry significantly impacts your vandalism coverage. DP-1 policies typically offer named-perils coverage, meaning only specifically listed damages are covered. DP-2 policies provide broader protection with open-perils coverage for personal property but named-perils for the dwelling. DP-3 policies offer the most comprehensive protection with open-perils coverage for both dwelling and other structures.

When reviewing your policy, look for specific language about vandalism and malicious mischief. Some policies may have sublimits for vandalism claims, meaning there's a maximum amount the insurer will pay regardless of your overall coverage limits. These sublimits often range from $1,000 to $2,500 per incident.

Does landlord insurance cover tenant vandalism?

This is where things get tricky.

If your property is vandalized by a stranger—say a break-in or random act of destruction—insurance usually covers the damage. But when the tenant causes the damage intentionally, coverage may be limited or denied.

In many cases, landlord policies exclude tenant-caused intentional damage, especially if the tenant was legally occupying the unit at the time. That means you may not be able to file a claim for:

• Punch holes in walls during an eviction
• Broken fixtures during a dispute
• Purposeful destruction during move-out

However, some insurers offer endorsements or optional coverage for tenant vandalism. It's worth checking with your provider to see if this is available in your policy.

The Gray Area: Accidental vs. Intentional Damage

Distinguishing between accidental damage and intentional vandalism by tenants can be challenging. Insurance adjusters will carefully examine evidence to determine intent. For example, a single hole in the wall from moving furniture might be considered accidental, while multiple holes throughout the property suggest intentional damage.

Documentation becomes crucial in these situations. Before-and-after photos, witness statements, and police reports can help establish whether damage was intentional. Some landlords install security cameras in common areas (following local privacy laws) to provide additional evidence if needed.

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Who is responsible for vandalism, the landlord or the tenant?

Responsibility often depends on who caused the damage and whether the tenant is still on the lease.

• If a third party (e.g., a burglar) causes the damage, the landlord typically files a claim through their insurance.
• If the tenant caused it, and it's intentional, the tenant may be held liable—but the landlord may still bear the upfront cost if it's not covered.
• If damage happens during an eviction, courts may require proof that the damage was malicious. This can affect both insurance coverage and the ability to deduct from the security deposit.

A well-written lease and thorough documentation (photos, reports, inspection records) go a long way in determining who pays.

Legal Considerations and Recovery Options

When tenants cause intentional damage, landlords have several options for recovery beyond insurance claims. Small claims court can be effective for damages under the court's monetary limit (typically $5,000-$10,000 depending on state). For larger damages, filing a lawsuit in regular civil court may be necessary.

However, winning a judgment doesn't guarantee collection. Many tenants who cause significant property damage lack the financial resources to pay substantial judgments. This reality makes having proper insurance coverage even more important, as it provides more reliable compensation for damages.

How to file a vandalism insurance claim

If your rental is vandalized, follow these steps to protect yourself and improve the chances of a successful claim:

1. Document everything – Take photos and video of all visible damage.
2. Call the police – File a report, especially if you suspect a break-in or third-party damage.
3. Notify your insurance company – File a vandalism insurance claim with all documentation.
4. Get repair estimates – Some insurers require quotes before approving repairs.
5. Mitigate further damage – Board up windows or secure the property if needed.

Insurance will typically only reimburse you after the deductible is met, and based on the extent of coverage provided in your policy.

If you have a policy with Steadily, you can file your claim online in just a few easy steps.

Best Practices for Claim Documentation

Proper documentation can make or break your vandalism claim. When photographing damage, capture wide shots showing the overall scene and close-up shots highlighting specific damage. Include timestamps and take photos from multiple angles. Create a detailed written inventory of damaged items, including their age, condition before damage, and replacement cost.

Keep all receipts related to the incident, including emergency repairs, temporary security measures, and cleaning costs. Some insurers will reimburse these expenses even if they're incurred before the claim is approved, but proper documentation is essential.

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What if vandalism makes the property unlivable?

If vandalism causes major damage—say a fire started intentionally or broken plumbing causes flooding—your tenants may need to move out.

In that case, you may be eligible for loss of rent insurance, which reimburses you for lost rental income while the unit is uninhabitable due to a covered peril.

Calculating Lost Rent and Additional Expenses

Loss of rent coverage typically pays the actual rental income you would have received, minus any expenses you're not incurring (like utilities if they're included in rent). Coverage usually begins after a waiting period (often 72 hours) and continues until the property is restored to rentable condition or until you reach the policy's time limit.

Some policies also cover additional expenses incurred due to the loss, such as advertising costs to find new tenants or storage fees if you need to relocate undamaged tenant belongings. Review your policy's specific terms, as coverage periods typically range from 12 to 24 months.

What landlords should do to prepare

Vandalism isn't predictable, but you can take steps to reduce risk and financial exposure:

• Review your landlord insurance policy and confirm it covers vandalism
• Ask about tenant damage endorsements if they're not included
• Require a security deposit to offset minor intentional damage
• Conduct routine inspections to catch early signs of damage
• Consider adding liability coverage in case a guest or neighbor is injured due to the vandalism

Landlords in high-risk areas—such as properties in California, Illinois, or Texas—may face a higher risk of vandalism due to vacancy, political events, or property size. Ensuring your coverage is right for your state and neighborhood is key.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Vandalism Risk

While insurance provides financial protection, preventing vandalism is always preferable. Install adequate lighting around the property, especially near entrances and parking areas. Motion-activated lights can deter vandals while keeping utility costs reasonable.

Maintain good relationships with neighbors who can serve as informal security by reporting suspicious activity. Consider installing security systems with cameras and alarms, particularly for vacant properties. Even fake cameras can serve as deterrents, though real systems provide better evidence for insurance claims and police investigations.

Regular property maintenance also helps prevent vandalism. Properties that appear well-maintained and occupied are less likely targets than those that look abandoned or neglected.

Understanding State-Specific Considerations

Vandalism coverage and tenant rights vary significantly by state. Some states have specific laws about landlord responsibilities for security, which can affect insurance coverage. For instance, properties in urban areas with higher crime rates may require additional security measures to maintain coverage.

Certain states also have different rules about security deposit limits and what landlords can deduct for damages. Understanding your state's specific requirements helps ensure you're properly protected and compliant with local laws.

Final word: Vandalism is often covered—but not always

So, is vandalism covered by insurance? In most cases, yes—but not if it's caused by your tenant. That's where understanding your policy, documenting everything, and working with a knowledgeable insurance provider can make all the difference.

The key to successful vandalism coverage lies in preparation, documentation, and understanding your policy's specific terms and limitations. Regular policy reviews, proper tenant screening, and maintaining detailed records of property conditions can help protect your investment and ensure you're covered when incidents occur.

Need coverage that protects your rental from the unexpected? Get a landlord insurance quote from Steadily in minutes and safeguard your investment.