{"id":1816,"date":"2018-08-06T17:24:37","date_gmt":"2018-08-06T17:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1816"},"modified":"2025-01-17T22:40:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T22:40:00","slug":"can-a-landlord-require-renters-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/renters-insurance\/understanding-renters-insurance\/can-a-landlord-require-renters-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Landlord Require Renters Insurance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’ve found the perfect apartment and filled out the application. You’re about to finalize the lease with the landlord when you’re informed that you need to obtain renters insurance before you can move in, which makes you wonder\u2014<\/span>can a landlord require renters insurance<\/em>? The answer is yes, <\/span>they can<\/em>. Here are some things to consider if your landlord requires renters insurance and why you may want to consider purchasing renters insurance even if it’s not required.<\/p>\n

Can a Landlord Require Renters Insurance?<\/h2>\n

There are no state laws requiring renters insurance, but all states allow landlords to add a requirement for renters insurance to the lease. The landlord\u2019s insurance company could also make them require their tenants to have apartment renters insurance. The lease could ask for proof of tenant insurance and you could be denied without it.<\/p>\n

Why is Renters Insurance a Good Idea?<\/h2>\n

Apartment renters insurance protects you, your family and your belongings, while a landlord insurance<\/a> policy covers the building structure itself. The inside of the apartment is your responsibility as the tenant. Without apartment renters insurance you have to replace all your belongings on your own in the event of a fire, theft, water leak, or other covered event. The best renters insurance replaces all of your possessions, something your landlord can\u2019t and won\u2019t do.<\/p>\n

If your apartment and belongings are damaged in a fire, your landlord\u2019s insurance will cover the building but not your personal property. Let\u2019s say you have a home theater system in your apartment. Think about what you paid for it and what it would cost to replace it. Now think about other things you and your family own, your furniture, car, and clothes. Your landlord won\u2019t replace them.<\/p>\n

If an accident happens, say a kitchen fire, you’ll be responsible because the damage happened in your apartment. Because of the fire you may have to move while the damage is being repaired. You still owe<\/em> rent and you will have to pay <\/em>for the damage even if you don\u2019t live there while things are being fixed. Good tenant insurance will pay for all of this, including a hotel or other place to stay while the repairs are being made.<\/p>\n

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?<\/h2>\n

The average cost of renters insurance in the United States is $187 per year, which amounts to a little over $15 per month. You could get it for less, but cheap renters insurance generally means you’ll have less coverage.<\/p>\n

You can save even more money by getting your renters insurance from the same company that provides your car insurance. This is called \u201cbundling\u201d and when you do this your insurance company will most likely give you a discount.<\/p>\n

What Do I Get for My Money?<\/h2>\n

The best renters insurance will include the following:<\/p>\n