Multirisque Habitation (MRH) insurance, more commonly known as home insurance, is essential protection for all residents, including students. It covers a wide range of risks and damage that may occur in the home. But why is it essential and compulsory to rent a student apartment?
What is MRH?
Multi-risk home insurance (MRH or home insurance) is an insurance contract designed to cover a dwelling against a range of risks. This type of contract offers a wide range of protection for the occupants of a dwelling, including both basic cover and additional options.
Basic MRH covers damage caused by fire, explosion and water damage due to leaks. It also protects against glass breakage, including windows, glazing and mirrors in the event of accidental breakage. It also covers damage caused by natural disasters such as storms and floods.
Home insurance also includes civil liability, divided into 2 sections: tenant's liability, which covers damage caused by the tenant to the dwelling or building, and personal liability, which protects against unintentional damage caused to third parties (neighbors or visitors).
In addition to basic coverage, home insurance also offers optional cover, depending on the policyholder's needs.
Why is home insurance compulsory?
There are several key reasons why home insurance is compulsory for student accommodation, to protect both the landlord and the student, while complying with the legal framework in force.
Protection for the owner
Home insurance provides essential protection for the owner of the property. By securing their property against potential damage caused by tenants, landlords ensure that their real estate investment is protected. In the event of a claim such as fire, water damage or vandalism, the insurance will cover the cost of repairs, avoiding unforeseen and often considerable expenses.
Student protection
For students, home insurance is also a crucial protection measure. It includes civil liability, which covers any damage the student may cause to third parties, whether neighbors or visitors. In the event of a claim, insurance considerably reduces the unforeseen costs of repairing or replacing damaged property. This provides significant financial security for students, who are often unaccustomed to dealing with crisis situations. What's more, it provides peace of mind in the knowledge that solutions exist to manage the material and financial consequences of an incident.
Legal framework
The legal aspect also plays a decisive role. In France, the law requires tenants to take out home insurance, an obligation that applies to both furnished and unfurnished accommodation, including student accommodation. Lease contracts generally include a clause requiring proof of home insurance from the tenant. Without this insurance, the lease could be terminated, exposing the student to the loss of his or her accommodation.
Practical precautions
Finally, practical considerations reinforce the need for students to have home insurance. Domestic incidents, such as water leaks or accidental fires, can be more frequent among young tenants, who are often less experienced in housing management. In shared accommodation, home insurance becomes even more important, as it covers the risks associated with communal living and ensures collective protection for all housemates.
At FAC-HABITAT, when you reserve a property, you are automatically offered SMERRA home insurance. You can therefore choose to take out an MRH contract for your student accommodation, which will be paid monthly and included in your rent.