Can a Landlord Require Renters Insurance?

To safeguard their interests, some landlords might require tenants to get renters insurance. It’s a win-win — in case of an unexpected event, you’re protected against financial loss and are provided with liability coverage.

Find out if you're overpaying for renters insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: February 11, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Landlords can require tenants to carry renters insurance, but the requirements must be clearly stated in lease agreements with reasonable coverage amounts and adequate notice.

Non-compliance can result in lease violations, eviction proceedings or force-placed insurance at the tenant's expense.

Some landlords may require renters insurance to protect themselves against damage or injury claims, along with giving them peace of mind.

Can Landlords Legally Require Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance isn't legally required in any state, but your landlord can require it as part of your lease agreement, and many do to protect themselves from liability.

This requirement typically specifies minimum coverage amounts, often $100,000 in liability coverage, and may require the landlord to be listed as an "additional interested party" on your policy. Even if your landlord doesn't require renters insurance, spending an average of $18 monthly for renters insurance beats scrambling to replace thousands of dollars in belongings or facing a lawsuit if someone gets hurt in your apartment.

Why Do Some Landlords Require Renters Insurance?

Some landlords might require their tenants to get renters insurance to complement their existing property insurance policies and get comprehensive coverage. After all, renters insurance doesn’t only safeguard a tenant’s interests, but the landlord’s too.

Damage or Injuries From Pets

Renters insurance can often mitigate the risks and costs if a pet causes damages or injuries to guests within the rental property, providing an extra layer of coverage and peace of mind for the landlord.

Screens Potential Tenants

Renters insurance is a useful indicator of a tenant's financial stability. It also serves as a filter to help landlords identify potential problematic tenants.

Peace of Mind

By insisting on renters insurance, landlords can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the tenant has a policy that can decrease the chances of unexpected costs and disputes.

Should You Require Renters Insurance For Tenants?

If you’re a landlord, requiring renters insurance can protect both your property and your peace of mind. While the law doesn't require tenants to have a policy, the multitude of benefits of renters insurance for landlords make it a practice worth considering.

1
Relocation Expenses
State laws differ on landlords' obligations in the aftermath of natural disasters. However, after a fire or natural disaster, landlords could face the burden of temporary housing costs for their tenants. Renters insurance can eliminate this concern, as it typically covers the expense of such temporary relocation.
2
Reduced Risk of Lawsuits
The possibility of property damage or injuries caused by a tenant's negligence can lead to legal battles. Renters insurance can shield tenants and their personal property, along with decreasing the likelihood of lawsuits against landlords.
3
Pet-Friendly Policy
Landlords who accept pets attract a larger tenant base. However, pets also bring potential risks. Renters insurance can cover pet-related incidents, offering additional protection for landlords. However, note that renters insurance policies may have specific breed restrictions for coverage.

Renters vs Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance covers the dwelling or structure of apartments, while renters insurance covers the personal property the tenant keeps in the apartment. Generally, landlord insurance covers events like fire, wind damage or hail, but not tenants' personal property such as furniture, electronics or other personal items. Any accidental damage caused by the tenant to the building would also not typically be covered by the landlord's insurance.

Renters Insurance	Landlord Insurance
Covers personal belongings	Does not cover personal belongings
Covers accidental damage to the building	Does not cover accidental damage caused by the tenant
Does not cover the physical structure	Covers the physical structure
Does not cover maintenance equipment	Covers equipment used to service the rental (e.g. lawnmowers, etc.)

Is Renters Insurance Required: Bottom Line

Landlords require renters insurance to protect their interests while helping tenants secure affordable coverage for their belongings. While no law mandates renters insurance, landlords can include it as a lease requirement, just like requiring a security deposit or pet fee.

Landlords reduce their liability exposure and may see their own insurance premiums drop when tenants carry coverage. Properties with required renters insurance experience fewer liability claims and property disputes.

Renters Insurance Required by Landlord: FAQ

MoneyGeek experts answer common questions about the legalities of your renters insurance:

Can you get renters insurance without a lease?

You can purchase renters insurance without a formal lease agreement. Renters insurance coverage is available for anyone renting a living space, including month-to-month arrangements, subletting or staying with roommates. Insurance companies typically require proof of residence but don't mandate formal lease documentation.

Can your landlord make a claim on your renters insurance?

Landlords cannot file claims on your renters insurance policy. But landlords listed as "interested parties" receive notifications about policy changes, cancellations or claims that might affect the property. Landlords must use their own dwelling insurance for property-related claims.
Read more: Can My Landlord Make a Claim on My Renters Insurance?

Can student housing require renters insurance?

Student housing properties require renters insurance. Many students are already covered under their parents' homeowners policies while in school. Landlords verify whether existing coverage meets their requirements or if students need separate policies.

What happens if I can't afford the required renters insurance?

If you can't afford the required coverage, talk to your landlord about payment plans or lower coverage options. Some landlords accept reduced coverage temporarily or let you pay premiums in installments. However, they don't have to waive insurance requirements because of financial hardship.

Can a landlord charge extra rent if I don't have renters insurance?

Landlords cannot charge additional rent as a substitute for renters insurance. They can require the coverage as a lease condition and may purchase force-placed insurance at the tenant's expense if coverage lapses, but they cannot simply increase rent instead of insurance requirements.

Is Renters Insurance Required: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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