Does Renters Insurance Cover Property Damage?

Renters insurance only covers property damage to your rental unit if it’s accidental, in which case your liability coverage will step in. Intentional damage or damage caused by gross negligence may not be covered.

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

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: February 13, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Renters insurance covers fire, theft, burst pipes and storm damage, but floods, earthquakes and neglect require extra coverage.

Damage from external events like hurricanes and wildfires is covered by your landlord's insurance, not yours.

Pet damage, guest damage and everyday accidents like kitchen fires all fall under your liability coverage.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage To Property?

Property damage to your landlord’s unit is only covered by your renters insurance if it’s caused by an accident. If an external event, such as a hurricane or a wildfire, causes property damage, your landlord’s insurance is responsible for repairing or rebuilding the structure.

Renters insurance is designed to cover your personal belongings and your liabilities. If a hurricane occurs and destroys your personal belongings, it pays to replace what’s damaged, but it doesn’t pay to repair the rental unit.

When Are You Liable for Property Damage to Your Rental?

You're liable for property damage to your rental unit when you or someone in your household causes it. This includes accidents like kitchen fires, water damage from an overflowing tub or pet damage to floors and walls. Your landlord can hold you financially responsible for repair costs, and your renters insurance liability coverage can help pay for them.

Landlord Insurance vs. Renters Insurance: What Each Covers

Your landlord's insurance and your renters insurance work together, but they don't overlap. The landlord's policy covers the physical building and anything that came with the unit, while your renters policy covers your personal property and any liability you take on as a tenant. Neither policy covers what the other one does.


Structural damage (roof, walls, foundation)	✓	✗
Appliances and fixtures included with the unit	✓	✗
Tenant's furniture, electronics and clothing	✗	✓
Tenant's liability for damage to unit	✗	✓
Damage from storms or natural events	✓	✗ (covers personal property loss only)
Lost rent during repairs	✓	✗
Additional living expenses if unit is uninhabitable	✗	✓

Common Scenarios: Who Pays for What?

Not all property damage works the same way when it comes to insurance. Who pays depends on what caused the damage and whether you're at fault.

How Much Coverage Do You Need To Cover Property Damage?

A $100,000 liability limit is the standard starting point for renters insurance, but it isn't always enough. Damage from a fire or flood can easily exceed $100,000, especially in apartment buildings where damage spreads to neighboring units. If you have pets, host guests often or rent in an area with high repair costs, $300,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage gives you a stronger safety net. Increasing your limit is inexpensive, most insurers charge $2 to $5 more per month to triple your liability coverage from $100,000 to $300,000.

Renters Insurance & Property Damage: Bottom Line

Renters insurance doesn't cover your landlord's property, that's what landlord insurance is for. But if you accidentally cause damage to the rental unit, your renters insurance liability coverage can pay for repairs. This applies to kitchen fires, water damage, pet damage and anything your guests break. Carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage, and consider $300,000 to $500,000 if you have pets, host guests often or live in a building where damage could spread to other units.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage To Landlord's Property: FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about renters insurance and property damage.

Does renters insurance cover damage to the rental unit?

Only if you caused the damage. Your liability coverage pays the landlord for accidental damage you, a household member or your pet causes to the unit. Damage from storms, building wear or other external events is covered by the landlord's insurance.

Am I liable if my pet damages the rental property?

Yes. If your dog scratches the floors or your cat destroys the blinds, your landlord can hold you responsible. Your renters insurance liability coverage can pay for the repairs.

Does renters insurance cover damage caused by negligence?

Ordinary negligence, like leaving a candle burning or forgetting to turn off the faucet, is covered by your liability coverage. Gross negligence or intentional damage isn't covered, and your insurer can deny the claim.

Should I file a liability claim or pay for damage out of pocket?

If the repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, paying out of pocket usually makes more sense. Filing a claim can raise your premiums at renewal, so weigh the repair cost against the long-term rate increase.

How much liability coverage do I need for property damage?

Start with at least $100,000, which is the standard minimum on most renters policies. If you have pets, live in a multi-unit building or rent in a high-cost area, consider increasing to $300,000 or $500,000 for a few extra dollars per month.

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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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