Hey, I recently found some mold in my apartment and was wondering if renters insurance would cover the damage. Anyone have experience dealing with mold and insurance claims?
It depends on how the mold started. If it was caused by something covered, like a pipe burst, renters insurance might cover it. But if it’s because of something you neglected, then probably not.
Keegan said:
It depends on how the mold started. If it was caused by something covered, like a pipe burst, renters insurance might cover it. But if it’s because of something you neglected, then probably not.
Yeah, that makes sense. What if it’s the landlord’s fault though? Would they cover the cleanup?
@Ezri
If it’s due to your landlord’s negligence, they could be responsible for the cleanup and damages. You’d have to talk to them or your rental office.
I dealt with this last year. A pipe burst, caused mold, and my renters insurance helped cover my stuff that was damaged. But they didn’t cover the inspection or actual mold cleanup—my landlord had to take care of that.
FYI, if the mold is from something like flooding, regular renters insurance won’t cover it. You’d need a separate flood insurance policy for that.
If you have to move out because of the mold, your renters insurance might cover the hotel costs under the loss of use part of your policy. Happened to me when my apartment had to be cleaned.
Vail said:
If you have to move out because of the mold, your renters insurance might cover the hotel costs under the loss of use part of your policy. Happened to me when my apartment had to be cleaned.
Oh, that’s good to know. Did they cover things like groceries too?
@Zack12
Yep, they covered some extra expenses like groceries since I couldn’t use my kitchen while staying in the hotel.
Just remember, if the mold is from something like a leaking shower head you didn’t fix or rain getting in through an open window, renters insurance won’t cover it. They see that as neglect.
Mika said:
Just remember, if the mold is from something like a leaking shower head you didn’t fix or rain getting in through an open window, renters insurance won’t cover it. They see that as neglect.
Makes sense. So if it’s due to poor upkeep on my part, I’m out of luck?
@Ray
Exactly. They only cover things caused by specific accidents, not maintenance issues.