What Happens If Your Rental Property Gets Vandalized?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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