Can a landlord require renters insurance?

Reasons why a landlord or rental office could require a tenant to have renters insurance

Here are some scenarios when a landlord or rental company may want a tenant to have a renters insurance policy in place:

Someone is injured at your residence

Landlords or rental companies want to avoid lawsuits from tenants and guests, and they may require personal liability coverage to help cover liability claims and the cost of the injured party's medical bills, up to your coverage limit.

Your belongings are damaged or stolen

If your belongings are stolen or damaged due to a covered peril, your landlord won't be responsible for replacing the items. But your personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace your belongings, up to your coverage limits.

You need temporary housing

If your unit or rental home is damaged and becomes uninhabitable, your policy's loss of use coverage may pay the additional expense for you to live elsewhere while your residence is repaired or rebuilt — assuming the damage was due to a covered loss. Depending on your rental agreement, this may save your landlord or rental office from covering your temporary relocation expenses out of their own pocket.

Protection from pet damage

If you have a pet living with you in your rental, renters insurance may pay for pet damage to the rental unit or home. However, the policy won't cover damage to your own personal property, such as if your dog shreds your couch pillows or your cat claws up the furniture.

Learn more about how renters insurance works and why you should consider it even if a landlord or rental company doesn't require it.

Why do you need renters insurance if your landlord or rental company has insurance?

While landlords and rental companies have a policy in place to protect the home or apartment you're renting, the policy won't protect your belongings or assets.

Can a rental company or landlord require specific coverage amounts for renters insurance?

Your landlord can require you to have a renters insurance policy with a certain amount of personal liability coverage. Your personal property coverage limit is typically your choice based on the cumulative value of your belongings. They could also require that you list them as an "additional interest" on the policy so they would be notified if the policy is changed or cancelled.

Find out more about how much renters insurance you need.

How to show proof of renters insurance to a landlord

If your landlord requires proof before you can move in, you can show your policy declaration page, and it will confirm you have an active renters insurance policy.

Stay protected with a renters insurance policy through Progressive