At Deca Property Management, we don’t require renters insurance as a formality — we require it because we’ve seen firsthand what can happen without it.
In January 2026, during one of the coldest stretches of the winter, we experienced a situation that reinforces exactly why this policy matters.
A resident knowingly left their home for an extended period with a non-functioning heating system and did not report the issue. During sub-freezing temperatures, a water supply line froze and burst — setting off a cascade of failures that caused significant interior damage and ultimately destroyed the boiler system as multiple lines froze and ruptured.
Total damages: $51,257
Our team immediately took action:
- Filed a claim under the resident’s renters insurance policy
- Coordinated directly with the insurance carrier and adjuster
- Provided detailed documentation, timelines, and repair scopes
As expected, the carrier challenged the claim, citing:
- Alleged prior notice of maintenance issues
- Lack of communication regarding the incoming freeze
However, documentation matters.
We were able to clearly demonstrate:
- No prior maintenance requests, calls, or portal submissions
- A proactive “freeze warning” communication sent to all Deca residents 3 days prior, outlining preventative measures
Because of this, the claim moved forward.
The Reality Behind the Scenes
This was not a quick or easy process.
- The owner experienced 3 months of disruption
- The property became uninhabitable, requiring lease terminations
- There was real uncertainty around whether the damages would be covered
But in the end, the asset was protected — not by chance, but by process, documentation, and policy.
The Takeaway
Requiring renters insurance is not about shifting responsibility — it’s about:
- Protecting residents from financial hardship
- Protecting owners from catastrophic loss
- Creating a structured, defensible process when things go wrong
At Deca, we don’t just manage properties — we manage risk.
And in moments like this, that difference matters.
