1月4日，《人民日报海外版》刊登了一位专家对中国外国租客财产损失责任问题的答复。
Reader Inquiry
读者来信
Price (a pseudonym), an international student in China, asked:普莱斯（化名），一位在中国的国际学生，来信咨询：
"I rented an apartment off-campus for study purposes. I've heard that tenants are responsible for property damage during the lease. I would like to know: if external forces cause damage to the property, is the foreign tenant liable for compensation?"
“我租了一套校外公寓用于学习。我听说在租赁期间租客要对财产损失负责。我想知道：如果财产损失是由外部因素导致的，外国租客需要赔偿吗？”
Expert's Response
专家答复
Hello! Generally, under a lease agreement, unless otherwise specified, the tenant is not responsible for damage to the property caused by factors beyond their control. However, liability for damage caused by external forces depends on the specific circumstances. Here’s a detailed explanation:
你好!通常情况下，在租赁合同中，除非另有规定,否则租客不对因不可控因素导致的财产损失负责。但是，因外部因素导致的损失责任取决于具体情况。以下为详细说明：
1. Damage Caused by Natural Disasters or Force Majeure
1. 自然灾害或不可抗力导致的损失
If the property is damaged due to force majeure events, such as heavy rain, floods, or earthquakes, the property owner (the landlord) bears the consequences, and the tenant is not liable.
如果财产因不可抗力事件（如暴雨、洪水或地震）受损，财产所有人（房东）承担后果，租客不承担责任。
According to Article 729 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, if leased property is partially or completely damaged or destroyed due to reasons not attributable to the tenant, the tenant may request a reduction or waiver of rent. If the damage renders the lease agreement impossible to fulfill, the tenant has the right to terminate the contract.
根据《中华人民共和国民法典》第729条，如果租赁物因非租客原因部分或全部毁损、灭失，租客可以请求减少或免除租金。如果毁损、灭失致使租赁合同无法履行，租客有权解除合同。
For newer properties, tenants can review the Residential Quality Guarantee provided by the developer to check whether the damage occurred within the guaranteed disaster-resistance standards. If the property fails to meet these standards, the property owner can claim compensation from the developer.
对于较新的房产，租客可以查看开发商提供的《住宅质量保证书》，以检查损失是否发生在保证的抗灾标准内。如果房产未达到这些标准,财产所有人可以向开发商索赔。
2. Damage Caused by Construction or External Forces
2. 因施工或外部因素导致的损失
If the damage is caused by neighboring properties (e.g., improper renovations) or external construction activities (e.g., high-intensity road or rail projects), the responsible party (neighbor or construction entity) must compensate for the loss.
如果损失是由相邻房产（例如，不当装修）或外部施工活动（例如，高强度道路或铁路项目）导致的，责任方（邻居或施工主体）必须赔偿损失。
Articles 238 and 296 of the Civil Code state that those infringing upon property rights must compensate for damages caused to the owner. During the lease period, such damages do not fall under the tenant’s responsibility.
民法典第238条和第296条规定,侵害财产权的人必须赔偿给所有者造成的损失。在租赁期间，此类损失不属于租客的责任。
3. Tenant’s Misuse Causing Damage
3. 租客不当使用导致的损失
If property damage results from improper use by the tenant, the tenant is liable.
如果财产损失是由租客不当使用导致的,租客需要负责。
According to Articles 714 and 1165 of the Civil Code, tenants must handle leased properties responsibly. If negligence leads to damage, the tenant must compensate the landlord. For instance, if a fire occurs due to the tenant’s improper use of appliances, the tenant is responsible for the damage. However, if the fire is caused by a neighbor’s actions, the tenant is not liable.
根据民法典第714条和第1165条，租客必须妥善处理租赁物。如果因疏忽导致损失，租客必须赔偿房东。例如，如果因租客不当使用电器发生火灾，租客需要负责损失。但是，如果火灾是由邻居的行为导致的，租客不承担责任。
4. Confirming Property Insurance Before Renting
4. 租赁前确认财产保险
Before renting, tenants should confirm with the landlord whether the property is insured. If the landlord has purchased property insurance, the insurance company may compensate for damages based on the policy terms. The insured party must provide relevant documentation to process the claim.
租赁前，租客应与房东确认房产是否已投保。如果房东已购买财产保险，保险公司会根据保险条款赔偿损失。被保险人必须提供相关文件以处理索赔。
Expert Advice
专家建议
Regardless of the cause of property damage, it is crucial to retain evidence, such as photos and reports.
无论财产损失的原因是什么，保留证据（如照片和报告）都至关重要。
