Insurance Coverage: Rights, Obligations, and Financial Risks

As a tenant at StudieBolig Syd, you are subject to specific insurance regulations that dictate who pays for damages. Failure to understand these boundaries will result in significant personal financial loss.

1. Landlord Coverage vs. Tenant Responsibility

The insurance held by the dormitory is limited in scope. It does not provide a safety net for your personal belongings or your temporary housing needs in the event of a disaster.

What the Dormitory Covers

According to the StudieBolig Syd FAQ (“Must I have an insurance?”), the dormitory’s insurance covers:

• Buildings and Fixtures: The physical structure and permanent installations.
• Domestic Appliances: Machines and fixtures that belong to StudieBolig Syd (e.g., provided refrigerators or stoves).

What the Tenant Must Cover (Home Contents Insurance)

StudieBolig Syd does not cover your property. You are advised to maintain a home insurance policy (indboforsikring) that covers:

• Personal Property: Furniture, electronics (TV, computers), bicycles, and clothing.
• Perils: Damage resulting from fire, water, storm, or burglary.
• Ancillary Costs: The cost of cleaning and moving your properties following a fire or water damage event.

2. Critical Financial Risks

The Reporting Deadline Risk

Warning: You must report any damage to the property to the janitor immediately. Under the rules specified in the “Must I have an insurance?” FAQ, if you delay reporting damage, you risk being held personally liable for the repair costs, even if the damage would have otherwise been covered by the dormitory’s insurance.

Excess Insurance (Deductible)

There is an “excess” (deductible) on the dormitory’s insurance policies. If damage occurs to your room, you will be required to pay this amount out of pocket. You must budget for this potential liability.

Re-housing and Displacement

In the event your room becomes uninhabitable due to fire or water damage:

• Landlord Obligation: The dormitory’s insurance covers the costs for the uninhabitable room itself.
• Tenant Risk: Your own insurance must cover the rent for a temporary room and all expenses associated with moving out and back in. If you do not have insurance, you will bear these relocation costs personally.

Personal Injury (Casualty Insurance)

StudieBolig Syd notes that it is rare to find a “tort-feasor” (a party legally at fault) to claim damages from if you are injured on the property.

• Need to Know: You are recommended to take out casualty insurance (ulykkesforsikring), including dental injury coverage, to protect yourself against the costs of permanent injury or accidents occurring on the premises.

3. Emergency Protocols and Maintenance

The division of responsibility also extends to how you handle emergencies.

• Serious Damages: For burst pipes, blocked sewers with rising water, or total loss of electricity/water outside office hours, call the emergency number: +72 28 28 19 (Source: “What to do outside office hours?” FAQ).
• Lockouts: If you lock yourself out outside opening hours, you must contact Sønderborg Låseservice. This is a private service and the cost is the tenant’s responsibility.
• Minor Issues: Faulty fridges, stoves, or clogged drains that are not causing active flooding are not emergencies. You must wait to inform the janitor during standard hours.

4. Mandatory Action Plan for Tenants

To protect your legal and financial interests, you must execute the following steps:

1. Contract Home Insurance: Ensure the policy covers “Home Contents” (including bicycles) and “Re-housing” costs.
2. Contract Casualty Insurance: Ensure it includes dental coverage for accidents on-site.
3. Identify Your Janitor: Locate the specific contact information for your building’s janitor via the “Janitor - contact information” section of the StudieBolig Syd portal.
4. Update Your Address: You are legally required to inform your insurance provider immediately upon moving or changing your address to ensure coverage remains valid.
5. Document Condition: Upon moving in, document the state of all fixtures and appliances. Report any existing damage immediately to avoid liability under the “excess” clause later.