Liability for Burglary in Student House

Questioner

Our student house (4 persons) was broken into. My housemate had left her window open and the police confirmed that the break-in happened through her window. I locked the front door in the morning. My room door was locked and was kicked in and my belongings were stolen (value 700 euros). Can I hold my housemate liable for this break-in? How does it work if she does/does not have liability insurance?

Lawyer

If there is no insurance that provides coverage, you can hold your housemate liable. You will have to prove that the damage is attributable to her. Make sure you have sufficient evidence. If there is insurance, an exclusion may apply between housemates, consult the policy conditions. If you are unable to reach an agreement (yet), I would be happy to look at your case.