What is landlord insurance?

What does landlord insurance cover?

Landlord insurance protects the home or structure you rent and provides personal liability coverage. Liability coverage pays for lawsuits against you or things that are your fault. For example, liability coverage protects you if your tenant sues you because they had a slip and fall accident on the stairs because the handrail was broken. Like homeowners insurance, landlord insurance will protect your property against fire damage, storm damage, lightning, wind, hail, etc. It will also cover you when dealing with tenants.

Landlord Insurance FAQs

Do I need landlord insurance?

Landlord insurance is not required by law, but most lenders will require it if you're financing the property or have a mortgage on it. Remember, your homeowners insurance policy likely will not cover the home you're renting out. That means any damage to the home, the belongings inside you own, or lawsuits against you will not be covered unless you get landlord insurance. Learn more about how homeowners insurance works.

Does landlord insurance cover loss of rental income?

Most insurers will protect the landlord against loss of rent in the event of a covered loss. For example: A tree falls on the house, your tenants can't stay there, and don't pay rent. But, you won't have coverage if your tenant can't pay the rent because of a job loss or financial problem.

Does landlord insurance cover tenant damage?

Typically, yes. To avoid these types of situations, landlords generally require a security deposit to pay for damages by a tenant.

Does landlord insurance cover the cost of evicting a tenant?

Insurers usually don't cover eviction costs. However, eviction insurance can be purchased separately from other companies.

Does landlord insurance cover the tenant's stuff?

No. It's a common misconception that a tenant's personal belongings will be covered by the landlord's insurance. The tenant needs a renters insurance policy to protect whatever stuff they bring with them. That's why some landlords mandate or strongly encourage their tenants to get renters insurance. The last thing you want is your tenant mad at you because they didn't know their stuff wasn't protected under your policy.

Learn about how much renters insurance costs.