Landlord Tenant Insurance in Washington State.Tenant causes damage, who pays? Owner's policy or tenants?

Question

Washington State apparently has a special law that I am unfamiliar with. The tenant caused damage to the house. He filed a claim but the insurance company will only pay up to the deductible amount of my homeowners policy. Now I am supposed to file a claim with my insurance policy (homeowners) use the check from the tenants insurance company to cover my deductible and then the remainder will be covered under my policy. There is no money out of my pocket but I get a negative claim on my policy for something I did not cause. This does not seem fair. Any help appreciated.

Answer 1

agreed, it does not seem fair, but i wouldn't take his insurance companies' word for it, that they will only pay the deductible. Did you withhold any security deposit? I would have, and notified the tenant in writing. Of course i am assuming the tenant has vacated the property--if they are still there, and depending on what your costs are, it may be better to notify your tenant of your intentions with regard to keeping the security deposit rather than file a claim with your insurance, and pay for damages out of pocket. Either way, it sounds like a sticky wicket you have on your hands. Good luck. Go seahawks.

Answer 2

The money did not come out of your pocket because the tenant was supposed to pay you a security fee upon entering into the rental agreement. That fee was supposed to cover any damage to your home.

Insurance was ment for that reason  - to be used.