Who pays for repairs after a burglary?
Question from Hayley updated on 30th May 2007:
If there was a burglary which has broken a door, who should pay for it to be repaired? The landlord with her insurance or the tenants and their insurance?
Our expert Jeff Montgomery responded:
Tenants are only liable for damage to the landlord’s property that they, or their guests, cause intentionally or carelessly. In this case the landlord would have to pay for the door to be repaired. For information on the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, call our free phone number 0800 TENANCY (0800 83 62 62) or visit www.dbh.govt.nz.
The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.
