Property management and insurance

No. Letting is a different risk from owner-occupation and must be declared as the use. If the policy states that you live there yourself while the property is let, the insurer may reduce or refuse the payout. Separate conditions apply to let and managed property, often with their own requirements on maintenance and vacancy.

The owners' association insures the building as a whole. That follows from the regulations attaching to the apartment right under Article 5:112 of the Dutch Civil Code. As owner you insure your own interest: contents or tenant's improvements, your liability and sometimes improvements to the flat. Check whether the VvE policy covers the rebuild value of the entire complex.

Report it to the insurer. Most policies limit cover during vacancy to fire, storm and explosion and exclude burglary, vandalism and water damage. Additional requirements sometimes apply, such as shutting off the water and draining the pipes. Without notification the insurer may rely on the changed situation when you claim.

You may be. Article 6:174 of the Dutch Civil Code places liability with the possessor of a structure that does not meet the standards that may be expected of it. Whether that is the case depends on the condition of the staircase and the maintenance. Liability cover meets the costs, provided the defect does not stem from deferred maintenance.