Search for insurance help

Everything You have to Know About Landlord Insurance

The financial risk associated with rental properties can be reduced in several ways, including choosing the best rental markets, carefully vetting renters, and maintaining the property in good condition. But occasionally, unanticipated events happen, like a natural calamity or a tenant’s slip-and-fall claim. For circumstances out of a landlord’s control, landlord insurance coverage might offer additional protection.

What is Landlord Insurance

This type of protection is typically offered to proprietors of rental properties with one to four units, such as apartments, condos, single-family homes, or multi-family dwellings. It may be able to shield you from the crippling expenses associated with damages to your rental homes.

In addition, it can be tailored to cover damage to systems, furnishings, and appliances inside those facilities, as well as general coverage. As a landlord, you might also wish to include coverage for Loss of Rent in your landlord policy if something happens that makes the property uninhabitable.

Why do you need one?

Your policy likely covers only owner-occupied properties. The coverage expires the moment you begin renting to new tenants. So, you might be left holding the bag for these and other misfortunes brought on by people or Mother Nature if a large appliance breaks down, someone gets hurt on the property, a forest fire destroys your home, or when burglars break into your home.

Landlord insurance can help in these situations. These policies occur in various forms. Consider what you need to handle and shield against your property before you start comparing prices.

When do you need one?

It might be helpful if you decide to buy insurance once you sign a contract with your property manager. If you do, it can give you insurance before examining your property. Your liability might be protected, for instance, if someone is hurt during an assessment and decides to claim damages.

Before you locate the perfect tenants to move in, you might want to consider this insurance if you’re going to handle your tenants yourself. Verify your insurer’s coverage in these circumstances. Be advised that to be covered by loss of additional rent covers, you must have a rental signed agreement with your tenant. Again, verify the coverage with your insurer.

What does landlord insurance cover?

In addition to the building, most rental property insurance policies typically cover your personal properties, such as appliances and furniture. You may be able to scale this coverage with some insurance companies to the lowest possible level or as high as is required to adequately protect the items you own and furnish for usage at the property.

Most insurance also automatically protects outbuildings like sheds and detached garages. In light of your circumstances, you should ask your insurance provider if you might modify the scope of your Other Structures Coverage.

A landlord insurance coverage can aid in defending a landlord against financial loss brought on by a lawsuit or property damage. Other measures a landlord can take to help minimise hazards and mitigate liability include performing routine inspections and assuring the language in a contract protects a landlord.

Management Liability insurance is designed to provide protection to both the business and its directors or officers for claims of wrongful acts in the management of the business.

A business insurance pack can provide cover for your business premises and contents, against loss, damage, theft or financial loss from an insured interruption to the business.

Purchase up to six products under one Business Insurance Package. 

In addition to the building, most rental property insurance policies typically cover your personal properties, such as appliances and furniture. You may be able to scale this coverage with some insurance companies to the lowest possible level or as high as is required to adequately protect the items you own and furnish for usage at the property.

Most insurance also automatically protects outbuildings like sheds and detached garages. In light of your circumstances, you should ask your insurance provider if you might modify the scope of your Other Structures Coverage.

A landlord insurance coverage can aid in defending a landlord against financial loss brought on by a lawsuit or property damage. Other measures a landlord can take to help minimise hazards and mitigate liability include performing routine inspections and assuring the language in a contract protects a landlord.

General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

All information above has been provided by the author.


Jade Lyons, JL Insurance Brokers, ABN 40 631 482 436, AFSL 403727

This article originally appeared on JLIB Blog and has been published here with permission.

Related articles

Comments (0)

Related insurance brokers

Review rating
16 reviews
Review rating
6 reviews

Featured Featured

Joe Daley

AJ Insurance Services

  • Typically replies within
    a few minutes
  • Review rating
    25 reviews

    Featured Featured

    Abbie Wilson

    National Insurance Brokers

  • Typically replies within
    a few minutes