What Happens If You Damage Items in a Shared House?

If you’ve damaged something in a shared house, whether it’s a landlord’s appliance, shared furniture, or a housemate’s belongings, you’ll want to know where you stand quickly. Here’s a clear breakdown of your responsibilities, your options, and how to sort it out.

Who is responsible for damage in a shared house?

If you cause damage to items in a shared house, the general rule is that you’re responsible for putting it right. But the specifics depend on what was damaged and who it belongs to.

• Landlord’s property: If the damaged item is owned by the landlord, such as furniture, white goods, or fixtures, the cost of repair or replacement may be deducted from your deposit at the end of the tenancy. Your landlord must use a government-approved deposit protection scheme, and any deductions must be justified and evidenced.
• Communal items: If the damage is to something shared between housemates, such as a shared sofa or kitchen equipment, the expectation is usually that you cover the cost directly. This is worth resolving between yourselves rather than leaving it to your landlord.
• A housemate’s belongings: If you’ve damaged something that belongs to a specific housemate, it’s between you and them. Our guide on what to do if your flatmate damages your belongings covers this from the other side.

If it’s unclear who caused the damage: In shared houses, landlords can sometimes deduct costs from the whole group’s deposit if the responsible person can’t be identified. The most practical approach is to discuss it openly with your housemates and reach an agreement before the end of the tenancy.

Will contents insurance cover it?

It depends on your policy and what was damaged.

If you have contents insurance with accidental damage cover, it may cover damage you accidentally cause to items in your home. However, standard contents insurance typically covers your own belongings, not shared property or your landlord’s furniture. Check your policy documents carefully to understand what’s included.

A few things worth checking:

• Accidental damage cover: This is usually an optional add-on rather than included as standard. If you’ve added it, it may cover accidental damage you cause.
• Personal liability cover: Some contents policies include personal liability cover, which can help if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. Check whether your policy includes this.
• Excess: Making a claim involves paying an excess, typically between £50 and £250 depending on your policy. For lower-value items, it may not be worth claiming once the excess is factored in.
• Premium impact: Making a claim can affect your renewal premium, so it’s worth weighing that up for smaller amounts.

If you don’t have contents insurance, you’ll need to cover the cost out of pocket.

How to handle damage

1. Tell your landlord promptly. Let your landlord or letting agent know as soon as possible. Reporting damage early shows you’re taking responsibility, gives more time to resolve it before the end of the tenancy, and avoids it becoming a larger dispute later.

2. Get quotes for the repair. If the item is repairable, get a couple of quotes. Your landlord may have a preferred contractor, which can sometimes be more cost-effective than sourcing one independently.

3. Agree with your housemates on shared costs. If the damage involves shared responsibility, have a straightforward conversation with your housemates about who contributes what. Getting any agreement in writing, even just a message thread, avoids disputes later.

4. Check your insurance. If you have contents insurance, check whether accidental damage cover applies and what the excess would be before deciding whether to make a claim.

5. Keep a paper trail. Keep copies of any emails, messages, or written agreements relating to the damage and how it was resolved. This protects you if there’s a dispute about deposit deductions at the end of the tenancy.

Costs and claims

Making a claim on renters’ insurance usually means paying an excess – this is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. Typical excess amounts can range from £50 to £200, based on the policy. Keep in mind that making a claim might increase your premium next year.

If insurance isn’t an option, you’re looking at out-of-pocket costs. To minimise the expense, shop around for repair services or ask your landlord for affordable recommendations.

Preventing accidental damage in a shared house

A few straightforward habits reduce the risk:

• Treat shared and landlord-owned items with the same care you’d give your own belongings.
• Report maintenance issues to your landlord promptly, a leaking tap or loose fitting that’s left unattended can turn into a bigger problem.
• Set some basic house rules with your housemates about shared spaces and communal items.
• Make sure you have contents insurance with accidental damage cover in place.

Before we go

Accidental damage in a shared house is manageable if you handle it promptly and honestly. Tell your landlord early, agree on costs with your housemates, and check what your contents insurance covers before deciding how to proceed. A clear paper trail and open communication resolve most situations before they become disputes.

With Lemonade’s contents insurance, you can add accidental damage cover to protect yourself in exactly these situations. 

Shared house damage FAQs