Your landlord policy covers your building. It does not cover your tenant's furniture, and it does not make your tenant's mistakes disappear. Requiring renters insurance closes both gaps — at no cost to you.
It covers the tenant's belongings, and — the part that helps you — gives the tenant liability coverage. If their grease fire or overflowing tub causes damage, their policy can respond before yours (and your carrier) get pulled in.
See our landlord insurance page for how this fits your coverage.
Require a minimum personal liability limit (commonly $100,000), require proof before move-in, and ask to be listed as an "interested party" so you're notified if the policy lapses. Keep the certificate on file.
Renters insurance is one of the least expensive policies there is. Framed as a standard lease term — not an ask — it gets near-universal compliance.
One caution: requiring it and never verifying it is the same as not requiring it. Collect the proof, note the renewal, and follow up on lapses.
We can help with the lease requirement — and with renters coverage for tenants to buy. Tell us your properties.
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