A tenant moved out, and the landlord found holes in every door, melted wax on the carpeting, and other damage believed to be beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord filed a police report. Would coverage be afforded under vandalism?

Iowa Subscriber

Generally, vandalism must be willful and malicious destruction of property. Even if the damage to the property is beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord would need to show that the tenants willfully and maliciously caused it, as opposed to accidently knocking over a candle and wax getting on the floor or rambunctious play that caused holes in a door. There must be intent to actually cause damage. And, the insured would have to show that vandalism actually occurred before coverage would apply.