Ask tenant to get Insurance

[Gerry C.]

Should we require our tenant to get a insurance policy? Any suggestion to  a new landlord.

[Mike S.]

Yes, and have yourself listed as additional interest(or third party designee).  That way you get notices of cancellation and/or can inquire directly with the insurer whether the policy is still in effect.

[Linda S.]

@Gerry C.

100% absolutely!   What do you have to lose?   I'd estimate 90% of tenants won't get insurance, but when something happens-- they'll be so thankful they have it!    We require all our tenants to have renters insurance.      

It's really for their safety and quality of life, stuff happens.. I've heard of cats turning on stoves, a pipe can burst while someone is away, life happens, it's their stuff they are protecting!...   FYI  you will now be seen as "the rich landlord" for people to go after, so it's best if they have a first line of attack to go after the renters.

[Gerry C.]

@Linda D and Mike S Thank so much for the input.

[Dave Aiken]

So do you require the tenant to have the insurance prior to handing over the keys?    If not, how do you handle this?

Thanks

[Michele Fischer]

For another perspective, we recommend (in the agreement) that they carry renter's insurance, and reinforce it at signing, but do not enforce it.  I would try to find topics about how it protects you and if it is worth it.  Maybe a conversation with your insurance agent on what happens in injury scenarios, property seems pretty straightforward.  In my mind it is important to make them aware of what is not covered by your policy and encourage them to get their own, but unless it is the normal in your area to be additional insured, it could reduce your applicant base.  In my area being additional insured does not mean you find out if the policy lapses, it means that a lawyer can't come back and say this situation isn't covered.

[Thomas S.]

I require tenants show proof of insurance coverage annually. It is a condition of approval for new tenants.

My priority is liability insurance, 1M minimum. Whether they have renters insurance coverage on their belongings is irrelevant to me. That would be their responsibility to decide.