The Most Common Renters Insurance Claims in Canada – And How to Avoid Them

Renting a home or apartment in Nova Scotia offers flexibility and a sense of community. Of course, the rental market in Nova Scotia isn’t without its challenges. But whether you’re renting a downtown Halifax apartment, a basement suite in Dartmouth, or a house in The Valley, unexpected incidents can happen anywhere. That’s where renters insurance (also known as tenant insurance) comes in.

Across Canada, renters insurance claims fall into a few common categories. Understanding these claims and how to reduce your risk can help you protect your belongings, avoid costly losses, and keep your premiums manageable. Let’s explore the most common renters insurance claims and provide practical prevention tips tailored to life renting in Nova Scotia.

Common Tenant Insurance Claims in Nova Scotia

1. Water Damage

Water damage is among the most common renters insurance claims nationwide, and Nova Scotia renters are no exception. Heavy rainfall, coastal storms, freezing winter temperatures, and aging plumbing in older buildings all increase the risk.

Common causes include:

• Burst or leaking pipes
• Overflowing bathtubs or sinks
• Leaks from upstairs neighbours
• Appliance failures (dishwashers, washing machines)

While renters insurance typically won’t cover damage to the building itself (that’s the landlord’s responsibility), it does cover damage to your personal belongings. It may help with additional living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable. Read more on what your Landlords cover and the gaps filled in by tenant insurance in our previous blog.

How to Avoid it:

• Never leave running water unattended
• Know where water shut-off valves are located
• Report leaks or moisture issues to your landlord immediately
• Use drip trays under appliances if permitted
• Avoid storing valuables directly on the basement floors

In coastal or flood-prone areas of Nova Scotia, it’s also worth asking your broker whether overland water coverage is included or available as an add-on.

2. Theft and Break-Ins

Theft remains a leading cause of renters insurance claims across Canada, particularly in urban areas and high-density rental buildings. Items like laptops, bicycles, phones, and jewelry are frequent targets.

Importantly, renters insurance often covers theft even if it occurs outside your home, such as a stolen bike or a laptop taken from your car.

How to Avoid it:

• Lock doors and windows—even when you’re home
• Use a bike lock and store bikes indoors when possible
• Don’t buzz in strangers to apartment buildings
• Keep valuables out of sight near windows
• Consider renter-friendly security devices (doorbell cameras, motion lights)

Keeping an up-to-date home inventory with photos and receipts can also make the claims process smoother if theft occurs.

3. Fire and Smoke Damage

Fire-related claims are less frequent than water or theft claims, but they’re often far more severe and costly. In Nova Scotia, older wiring, space heaters, candles, and kitchen accidents are common contributors. Even if a fire starts in another unit, smoke damage can ruin furniture, clothing, and electronics in yours.

How to Avoid it:

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Avoid using damaged cords or overloaded power bars
• Keep candles away from flammable materials
• Use space heaters approved for indoor use—and never overnight
• Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed

Renters insurance can cover damaged belongings and temporary accommodation costs, which can be critical after a fire.

4. Liability Claims (Accidents in Your Unit)

Many renters are surprised to learn that personal liability claims are among the most costly for renters insurance in Canada. Liability claim examples include:

• A guest slipping and falling in your apartment
• Water damage caused by your overflowing bathtub is affecting another unit
• A pet accidentally injuring someone

Legal fees and medical costs can add up quickly—even for incidents that seem minor.

How to Avoid it

• Keep walkways clear of clutter
• Clean up spills immediately
• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms
• Understand your building’s pet rules and ensure your pet is properly trained.

Most tenant insurance policies in Nova Scotia include $1–$2 million in liability coverage, offering essential financial protection. We debunked the top 5 myths about tenant insurance.

5. Weather-Related Damage

Nova Scotia renters are no strangers to storms, strong winds, and power outages. Severe weather can damage personal property through:

• Wind-driven rain
• Falling trees or debris
• Extended power outages leading to spoiled food

While your landlord’s insurance covers structural damage, renters insurance protects your belongings and may cover additional living expenses if you need to relocate temporarily.

How to Avoid it:

• Secure balcony furniture and outdoor items
• Unplug electronics during severe storms
• Use surge protectors
• Keep a basic emergency kit on hand

It’s also a good idea to review your policy before storm season to understand what weather-related coverage is included.

Why Renters Insurance is Essential in Nova Scotia

Many renters assume their landlord’s insurance covers everything—it doesn’t. Without renters insurance, you could be left paying out of pocket to replace furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. For a more expansive breakdown of renting an apartment, check out our 101 guide to Tenant Insurance.

A typical renters’ insurance policy in Nova Scotia covers:

• Personal belongings (from fire, theft, water damage, and more)
• Personal liability
• Additional living expenses if your unit becomes unlivable

Best of all, renters insurance is surprisingly affordable, often costing less than a dollar a day.

These common renters insurance claims: water damage, theft, fire, liability, and weather-related losses, can happen to anyone, anywhere. But with the right coverage and a few proactive steps, many of these risks can be reduced or managed effectively.

If you’re renting in Nova Scotia, a local Bauld Insurance Advisor can help you choose a policy that fits your lifestyle, location, and budget. You should be able to enjoy your home with confidence, no matter what comes your way.