Having a friend house-sit for you: five considerations worth taking seriously

1- Tenant insurance protects policyholders first and foremost

When you first purchased or renewed your home insurance, the agent probably asked you, “Who lives in your home?” You answered that you were the tenant and, if appropriate, gave your spouse’s name as well. As a result, your tenant insurance is linked to your names and your home. The presence in your home of another, unnamed person for a set period may have a bearing on certain aspects of your home-insurance policy. Many tenants believe that any person temporarily house-sitting for them is automatically covered, since the insurance policy remains in effect during their absence. But that is not necessarily the case! In fact:

• The insurance contract protects the insured tenant(s) first and foremost;
• The presence of a temporary occupant may make a difference, depending on circumstances; and
• Insurers expect to be notified whenever another person will be living in the property for a set and extended period.

2- Your friend’s belongings are usually not insured

Your tenant insurance typically covers your furniture, clothing, and electronic devices. This means that if your friend’s belongings are stolen during a burglary or destroyed in a fire, the claim must be made through your friend’s home-insurance policy. That is why it is important for you and your friends to check your insurance coverage!

3- In the event of damage, liability may become a complicated issue

Whether through bad luck or absent-mindedness, your friend leaves a pan on the stove or lets the bath overflow, causing damage to your neighbour’s property. Will this event be covered by the insurance policy? If so, who will be held liable? The answer depends on the circumstances of the incident, the extent of each party’s liability, and the coverage provided under the insurance policy.

4- An extended absence may affect certain obligations

For the duration of your absence, the insurer may require that:

• The property be inspected regularly;
• Certain precautions be taken to prevent water damage; and
• The heating be kept on in winter.

Of course, the fact that a friend is living in the property may occasionally meet some of these requirements. But be careful! Most home-insurance policies set a limit on how long a property may be left unoccupied, usually around 30 days. If you are planning to be away for an extended period, it is important to notify your insurer, not only to check the terms of your coverage, but also to help prevent any mishap during your time away from home.

Get proof of insurance coverage from your friend

Ask for a copy of your friend’s home-insurance policy to check for the presence of third-party liability coverage.

Share your emergency contact details with your friend

Sometimes, the unexpected occurs when you’re away from home! Maybe someone in your family can be of help to your house-sitting friend, even if it’s just to answer a simple question. After all, as the saying goes, “Our friends’ friends are also our friends.”

FAQ: Having a friend house-sit for you: tenant insurance

May I have a friend house-sit for me without having to tell my insurer?

In many cases, having a friend house-sit for you for a few days does not require any change to your home-insurance policy.

Is house-sitting the same as subletting?

No. House-sitting generally involves entrusting your home to someone for a short period without financial compensation, whereas subletting is a practice subject to specific rules that also involves the payment of rent. When you sublet your home, you remain the tenant even if you don’t live there. In other words, you remain responsible for your home; as a result, your home-insurance policy doesn’t apply to the person who sublets your home.

If my friend leaves a tap running and causes damage, who would have to pay the bill?

It all depends on the circumstances and the coverage provided by the insurance policy. Your home insurance may cover some damage caused by sudden and accidental water overflow, subject to applicable exclusions and limits. Your house-sitting friend, who causes an accident in your home, may also be held liable. Each claim is assessed on the basis of the specific facts of the case.

Is my friend covered by my tenant-insurance policy?

Your tenant insurance primarily covers the people whose names appear in the policy as well as their insured belonging. Your friend’s personal belongings would generally be covered by that person’s own home-insurance policy, if one exists. As for third-party liability with respect to certain types of damage involving your house-sitter, coverage depends on the circumstances and the provisions of the policy.

Keep in mind that certain life changes, such as taking in a roommate or relative, require you to update your tenant insurance.