If I own rental property and my rental house was broken in to and renter had $1400 worth of items stolen, am I responsible?
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If I own rental property and my rental house was broken in to and renter had $1400 worth of items stolen, am I responsible?
I have a private company that rents the house out for me and takes care of everything. The company and the renter are the only ones with the code to get in to the house. No damage was done entering the property and none of my personal belongings were stolen. A police report was filed. What am I if any responsible for?
Asked on August 3, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
Andrew Goldberg
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Probably nothing! If you have some sort of insurance covering theft, then you would forward the tenant's claim to your insurer. Otherwise, you are not an insurer or guarantor of the tenant's personal property. If you were not negligent and if that negligence did not lead to rhe break-in, your not liable for the tenant's personal property. So, as long as your lock/ code was in good working order, you are not liable/responsible for the criminal actions of some unknown person or persons. I wouldn't advise you to pay for anything.
Andrew Goldberg
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Probably nothing! If you have some sort of insurance covering theft, then you would forward the tenant's claim to your insurer. Otherwise, you are not an insurer or guarantor of the tenant's personal property. If you were not negligent and if that negligence did not lead to rhe break-in, your not liable for the tenant's personal property. So, as long as your lock/ code was in good working order, you are not liable/responsible for the criminal actions of some unknown person or persons. I wouldn't advise you to pay for anything.
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