Damage caused by tenant

• What was damaged?
• How did the damage occur (origin of loss)?
• Photos of the damage
• Age of the damaged item
• Name and address of landlord/property manager
• Unpaid invoices  from the landlord/ property manager for your share of the costs, including copy of the tradesperson's invoice, if available. 
  Please note: If you pay the invoice, you are accepting the claim for payment that is being asserted – even if it's too high or unjustified. 

If the required information and documentation is not yet complete when making your insurance claim, you can send them to us later. This applies in particular to the unpaid invoice for your share of the costs. 

Do not commission any tradespersons directly. That's the responsibility of the landlord/ property manager. Otherwise you will be liable to pay. This also applies to any costs that the landlord /property manager would have to cover.

You can only be held liable for the present value of the damaged item – meaning the actual financial value of the item immediately prior to the loss/damage. It is therefore important to know how old the item is.

Example: "Your child has drawn on the living room wall"

Lifespan of wall paint: 8 years / last decorated when you moved in 4 years ago

• Decorator's bill: CHF 800
• 4/8 depreciation: CHF 400
• Your share:  CHF 400 (8-year lifespan less 4 years since last decorated)

The depreciation represents the age-related deduction – the annual reduction in value of an item – and is included in the rent. The landlord/property manager must pay the age deduction and cannot charge you for it. 

AXA

In principle, we pay the costs of all accidental or unforeseen damage/loss. 

However, not all damage or defects identified when moving out of your home are insured. For example, the following items are excluded: 

• Damage due to wear and tear
• Nicotine stains
• Picture holes
• Cost of restoring to original condition, e.g. where walls painted in color by the tenant themselves
• Damage that occurred gradually, e.g. mold

Where such damage exists, the landlord/ property manager will send you a bill stating your share of the costs, if applicable. 

You'll find specific information about your insurance cover at any time in the General Insurance Conditions (GIC) – the easiest way to do this is in the myAXA customer portal. 

Other AXA benefits in the case of insured damage: 

• On request, we will negotiate with your landlord/property manager or other claimants.
• We will defend you against any unjustified claims. 

Landlord/property manager

Costs resulting from normal usage – that is, wear and tear – must be paid by the landlord/property manager. Typical damage due to wear and tear includes changes in the shade of painted walls as a result of the hanging of pictures or placing of items of furniture in front of walls. The resulting costs are already included in the rent.

• The handover record only lists defects. Do not accept any arrangements that involve paying costs – whether fixed amounts or a percentage share. 
• If you do not fully agree with a comment or a specified defect, write down your objections.
• You should only sign the handover record if you accept the damage/defects listed. The handover record is binding – do not sign if you are in any doubt.