What property owners need to know about landlord insurance

A rental property is often considered a valuable financial investment because, if handled properly, it can provide owners with a steady flow of passive income. But renting out a property also gives rise to a unique set of potential risks, so getting the right kind of protection is crucial.

This is where landlord insurance comes into play. This type of policy offers specialized coverage for residential rental property owners to protect their personal assets in an event of a loss.

How does landlord insurance work?

Landlord policies operate just like a standard homeowners’ insurance but have a few key differences. First, landlord insurance applies to properties rented out to tenants, not to owner-occupied residences, which homeowners’ policies cover. It also comes with higher liability limits as rental property owners face more risks than those who occupy their own homes. Lastly, because landlords are reliant on their rental property for income, landlord insurance provides coverage for lost income, which homeowners’ plans lack.

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Contrary to popular belief, landlord policies do not cover tenants’ possessions. These are protected under a different type of plan called renters’ insurance. Industry experts recommend that landlords require their tenants to take out this form of protection to help cover for their belongings in case of loss or damage and prevent the financial ramifications from bouncing back to the property owners.

What does landlord insurance cover?

A landlord insurance policy comes with three core coverages, namely:

• Property damage: This covers any physical damage or loss to the dwelling and other structures within the premises – such as sheds, garages, and fences – caused by a named peril, which can include fire, wind, hail, vandalism, or irresponsible tenants. It may also cover items that the landlord leaves on-site to help maintain the property such as a lawnmower or other cleaning equipment.
• Liability protection: While most liability will fall under tenants’ responsibility, landlords can be held liable for injuries caused by poor property maintenance, including broken staircases, icy walkways, and pest infestation. Liability coverage pays out the medical or legal expenses resulting from a landlord’s negligence. 
• Rental income protection: This type of policy helps provide temporary rental reimbursement if the property becomes uninhabitable as long as it is due to a covered peril. Coverage, however, does not apply for voluntary renovations or improvements.

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Landlords can also avail of additional protection or riders for more comprehensive coverage, including:

How much does landlord insurance cost?

Several factors influence the cost of landlord insurance premiums, including the age and condition of the rental property, where it is located, the type of tenants, and home features considered high-risk.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), landlord policies typically cost 25% more than standard homeowners’ coverage because of the additional protection they provide. For perspective, the average cost of home insurance with $250,000 dwelling coverage in the US, according to the latest figures from consumer financial services firm Bankrate, is $1,383. This means that for the same property, landlord insurance will cost around $1,729.

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What should property owners consider when buying landlord insurance?

Experts advise rental property owners to practice due diligence when searching for the best landlord insurance policy that fits their needs. Here are some of the factors they need to consider when looking for the right coverage:

• Length of rental – short-term or long-term
• Type of renters – including their rental and insurance history
• Reason why property is being rented out
• Expected rental income
• Distance of primary residence to the rental property
• Responsibility for property management and maintenance
• Whether renters’ insurance will be required
• Contents included in the rental
• Type of coverage, including exclusions and limitations
• Insurance discounts the landlord may be eligible for

Read more: Revealed – The most and least expensive US states for renters' insurance

Is taking out landlord insurance worth it?

Landlord insurance is not mandatory in the US, but it may be a requirement for taking out a mortgage on a rental property. Although not compulsory, several consumer financial websites pointed out the benefits of getting this type of coverage.

Forbes Advisor described landlord insurance as a “wise financial decision to protect your asset.”

“Owning a rental property is a great way to make extra money. But a homeowners or renters insurance policy doesn’t offer the protection you need as a landlord,” according to Coverage.com. “If you have a rental property, you need landlord insurance to protect your personal assets in the event of a loss. You can also purchase endorsements, like flood insurance or building code insurance, to extend your coverage even further.”

“Getting the right coverage can make or break your ability to be a successful and long-term landlord, no matter how you plan to rent out your property,” Hippo.com added. This is why landlord insurance is so crucial – it protects you legally and financially from anything that may come your way.”