Do You Need Renters Insurance if You Own a House?

You can purchase renters insurance for a house, condo, apartment or even a room; the type of home you’re renting bears little consequence.

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

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: February 25, 2026

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Key Takeaways

You can purchase renters insurance regardless of the type of rental unit, whether it's a house, apartment, condo or even a room.

Though not legally required, renters insurance covers your belongings and shields you from liability claims.

Renters insurance for a house costs as low as $18 per month, making it an affordable way to safeguard your assets.

Can You Purchase Renters Insurance for a House?

Yes, you can purchase renters insurance for a house. The type of unit, whether it’s a house, apartment, condo or even a room, plays no bearing on your insurance. Renters insurance is a financial safeguard regardless of the type of home you’re renting and it follows you wherever you go, even when you travel and go on vacation.

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings and provides liability protection against unexpected events like theft, fire or certain types of damage. It's worth having whether you're renting an apartment, house or shared space.

Is It Necessary to Purchase Renters Insurance for a House?

Renters insurance isn't legally required, but your landlord may make it a condition of your lease. Either way, it's worth having. Here's why:

Protection for your belongings

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings, including furniture, electronics and clothing, against unforeseen events such as fire, theft or vandalism.

Liability coverage

It provides liability protection in case someone is injured on your property, helping to cover medical expenses or legal fees if you're found responsible.

Additional living expenses

If your house becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, renters insurance can assist with temporary living expenses while repairs are made.

How to Get Renters Insurance for a House

Getting renters insurance for a house takes just a few steps. List what you own, compare quotes and pick a policy that covers your belongings and liability without stretching your budget.

1
Take inventory of your belongings
List furniture, electronics, clothes and valuables so you know how much coverage you need.
2
Get quotes from multiple providers
Compare prices and coverage options for the home you’re renting.
3
Choose your coverage limits and deductible
Pick a policy that fits the value of your items and your budget.
4
Add liability and loss of use coverage
These protect you if someone is injured or if the house becomes unlivable after a covered event.
5
Finalize your policy and request proof of coverage
Once you choose a provider, complete the process and keep a copy for your landlord if required.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost for a House?

The cost of renters insurance averages $18 per month for $20,000 in personal property coverage. Your actual rate depends on your location, coverage level and deductible.

Comparing quotes from multiple providers helps you find cheap renters insurance and customize your policy to fit your budget and coverage needs.


$20K Personal Property / $100K Liability	$18	$220
$50K Personal Property / $100K Liability	$31	$375
$100K Personal Property / $100K Liability	$52	$625
$250K Personal Property / $300K Liability	$109	$1,308

Buying Renters Insurance for Homeowners: Bottom Line

Renters insurance covers houses, apartments and condos, and even individual rooms. Whether you're renting a whole house or just a space within one, a policy covers your belongings and protects you from liability claims. Comparing quotes from multiple providers helps you find coverage that fits your budget and living situation.

Understanding Renters Insurance for Homeowners: FAQ

Our frequently asked questions clarify confusion about getting renters insurance for different types of dwellings.

Can you buy renters insurance for a house?

Yes, you can purchase renters insurance for a house or any other kind of rental unit, such as an apartment, condo or even a room.

Can you get renters insurance for a room within a house?

Yes, you can get renters insurance for a room within a house. Renters insurance is not restricted to specific types of rental units; it can be tailored to your needs, regardless of whether you're renting an entire house or just a single room within one.

Can you get renters insurance when you live at a friend’s house?

Yes, you can obtain renters insurance with roommates. Simply add them to the policy. Renters insurance is flexible; you can customize it to your unique living situation. It's not tied to property ownership, so whether you're renting a house, an apartment or residing at a friend’s house, renters insurance can still provide valuable coverage for your personal belongings and liability protection.

Do I need renters insurance if I own a mobile or manufactured home?

If you own the home but rent the land, renters insurance may be a better fit than homeowners insurance. Mobile home renters insurance protects your belongings and liability, but not the structure itself.

Is renters insurance required if I rent out a part of my own home?

Landlords can require renters insurance from their tenant, but it's not legally required. You will need your own landlord insurance and homeowners insurance, while your tenant needs renters insurance.

Renters Insurance Rates for Homes: Our Review Methodology

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We obtained information from Quadrant Information Services and examined rates of customer and claim satisfaction from the top industry assessments, J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). We developed a ranking methodology to compare the data in order to provide the best renters insurance solutions for different renter profiles and demands at the national and state levels.

Renters Insurance Profile

In this study, we focused on a particular profile of renters, characterized by:

Good credit score
Claims free for over five years

Our research also encompassed scenarios involving renters with varying credit histories and different records of insurance claims.

Renters Insurance Coverage Details

Calculations for the average renters insurance rates were based on the following policy specifics:

$20,000 in personal property coverage
$100,000 in personal liability coverage
$500 deductible

Our investigation included an exploration of policies offering broader coverage ranges, extending from $20,000 to $100,000 for personal property, liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 and deductibles varying between $500 and $2,000.

Can I Get Renters Insurance if I Own My Home: 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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