What does landlord liability insurance cover?

Landlord GL covers: bodily injury claims from tenants or visitors injured on your property (slip-and-fall, inadequate maintenance), property damage caused by your operations or negligence, and legal defense costs if you are sued. It does NOT cover tenant's personal property — that's what renters insurance is for.

Is loss of rental income covered automatically?

No. Loss of rental income (also called fair rental value or loss of rents) must be added as an endorsement or is available as a separate coverage. Verify that your landlord policy includes it. Coverage typically kicks in when a covered loss (fire, major damage) forces tenants out — it does not cover a tenant who simply stops paying rent.

Do I need separate insurance for each rental property?

You can insure each property on a separate policy, or use a portfolio/blanket policy that covers multiple properties under one policy. Portfolio policies are often more cost-effective for landlords with 3+ properties and offer simpler administration.

Should I require tenants to carry renters insurance?

Yes — strongly. Tenant renters insurance protects their personal property and provides them with liability coverage. Requiring renters insurance in your lease reduces your exposure to tenant property claims (they often mistakenly believe you're responsible for their belongings) and tenant-caused liability events.

What does landlord liability insurance cover?

Landlord GL covers: bodily injury claims from tenants or visitors injured on your property (slip-and-fall, inadequate maintenance), property damage caused by your operations or negligence, and legal defense costs if you are sued. It does NOT cover tenant's personal property — that's what renters insurance is for.

Is loss of rental income covered automatically?

No. Loss of rental income (also called fair rental value or loss of rents) must be added as an endorsement or is available as a separate coverage. Verify that your landlord policy includes it. Coverage typically kicks in when a covered loss (fire, major damage) forces tenants out — it does not cover a tenant who simply stops paying rent.

Do I need separate insurance for each rental property?

You can insure each property on a separate policy, or use a portfolio/blanket policy that covers multiple properties under one policy. Portfolio policies are often more cost-effective for landlords with 3+ properties and offer simpler administration.

Should I require tenants to carry renters insurance?

Yes — strongly. Tenant renters insurance protects their personal property and provides them with liability coverage. Requiring renters insurance in your lease reduces your exposure to tenant property claims (they often mistakenly believe you're responsible for their belongings) and tenant-caused liability events.

Real Estate

Business Insurance for Landlords & Rental Property Owners

Your rental property is a business. Treat it like one — with coverage that protects against tenant claims, property loss, and income disruption.

$50–$200/ monthSingle-family rental property coverage typically runs $80–$150/month (dwelling + GL). Multi-unit properties run $100–$250/month. Landlords with 5+ properties often use portfolio policies for better rates.

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Coverage Types for Landlords & Rental Property Owners

These are the key insurance policies most relevant to your business type — ranked by importance.

🏠

Landlord / Dwelling Policy

Required

Covers the rental structure against fire, wind, vandalism, and other perils. Unlike homeowner's insurance, a landlord/dwelling policy is designed for non-owner-occupied properties.

🛡️

General Liability

Required

Covers claims from tenant or visitor injuries on your rental property — the most common category of landlord lawsuits. Required by most commercial lenders and mortgages on rental properties.

💰

Loss of Rental Income

Highly Recommended

Covers lost rental income when a covered loss (fire, flood, major damage) forces tenants to vacate. Without it, your mortgage keeps running while rental income stops.

☂️

Umbrella Liability

Recommended

For landlords with multiple properties, umbrella coverage provides $1M–$5M in additional liability protection above primary policies at low cost per unit.

👷

Workers' Compensation

Recommended

If you employ maintenance staff, property managers, or cleaners, workers' comp is required in most states. Slip-and-fall injuries at rental properties are a common workers' comp claim.

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100% online. No broker call required. Get covered and download your Certificate of Insurance in under 15 minutes.

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What You Need to Know

→Homeowner's insurance does NOT cover rental properties — you need a landlord/dwelling policy specifically designed for non-owner-occupied properties.
→Tenant injury claims are the most common cause of landlord lawsuits — inadequate maintenance, slip-and-fall, and habitability claims are especially frequent.
→Loss of rental income coverage is separate from property coverage and must be added explicitly — it is not automatic.
→Landlords with LLCs still need insurance — an LLC limits personal liability but does not insure the property itself or provide liability coverage.
→Rent guarantee insurance (covers non-payment) is separate from standard landlord insurance and available from specialty carriers.

What Does It Cost?

$50–$200per month

Single-family rental property coverage typically runs $80–$150/month (dwelling + GL). Multi-unit properties run $100–$250/month. Landlords with 5+ properties often use portfolio policies for better rates.

15 min

To get covered online

Broker fees

Instant

Certificate of insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Standard homeowners insurance is for owner-occupied residences. Once you rent the property to tenants, homeowners coverage typically becomes void. You need a landlord policy (also called a dwelling fire policy or rental property policy) specifically designed for non-owner-occupied properties.

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