Suppose that you spill a cup of coffee on your apartment’s rug? Or, what if your pet claws at the carpet and creates a rough patch? Will your renters insurance cover it?
Unfortunately, the answer is likely no. Most of the time, carpet damage is uninsurable under your policy. However, the important thing is that you likely don’t need such coverage in the first place. Various factors help renters mitigate carpet damage in a way that makes it possible for you to feel secure even though you don’t have coverage.
Renters Insurance for Property Damage
Renters insurance contains insurance for personal possessions within a tenant’s rental property. So, if a fire breaks out in your apartment, and damages your clothing, furniture and electronics, then your coverage can help you pay to replace these items. The policy might also pay to replace damaged or destroyed rugs and carpeting that belong to you. However, it won’t apply to the permanent carpeting within the home.
Household carpeting is not insured by renters insurance, simply because you do not own it. Usually, it is the rental property owner who installs the carpet. Therefore, it will be covered under their property insurance coverage. If a fire that damages your belongings also damages the carpet, then the landlord’s insurance pays for those repairs.
Damage You Cause To The Carpet
Additionally, most renters insurance policies include liability coverage. That means, if you (or one of your pets) accidentally cause damage to the carpet, then the landlord might try to hold you responsible for the damage. They might try to file a liability claim against your policy for the losses.
However, if the damage to your apartment’s carpet is relatively minor, then there might be no need for the landlord to take this action. People use and walk on carpeting every single day. It is going to undergo its fair share of wear and tear during your time in the rental home.
Most landlords expect this to happen, and they make arrangements to repair the home after you move out of it. Many will require you to put a cleaning deposit down on the home before you move in. After you move out, this deposit can help the landlord clean the carpeting, repaint and do other maintenance to spruce up the home. They might return any remaining money to you.
Keeping Your Apartment’s Carpet Pristine
Even though you might not be able to prevent all types of carpet damage, you can still do a good job keeping the carpet and in good condition while you live in the rental home.
- Consider putting down your own rugs over large, exposed swaths of installed carpeting, to protect those open areas.
- Regularly vacuum the carpet. Still, be sure to ask your landlord for permission if you want to bring in a commercial carpet cleaning device.
- Keep a small amount of carpet cleaner in the home, and don’t hesitate to use it if you notice a significant stain or discoloration in the carpet. However, always follow proper usage directions for the carpet cleaner.
- Do what you can to avoid spills on the carpets. Don’t set liquids too close to the edge of tables. And keep lit flames away from the carpet.
- If you have pets in the home, do what you can to prevent them from clawing at the carpeting or soiling it.
Usually, it is very easy to prevent damage to your rental home’s carpet. Your landlord can also provide maintenance and assistance if necessary.
Protect What Matters — Call Area Insurance Associates at 432-570-4373