What to do?? They won't get me copies of renter's insurance

Question

It's in my lease that they have to have renter's insurance. I have asked for copies and they just aren't getting them to me. Do I send a final notice that they need to get it to me or get evicted for lease violation or just let it go? I would think I'm covered because my lease requires it and they signed it, but I don't want to get sued if someone falls and gets hurt. Do you require copies? Not sure what to do here. Thanks!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

@Jennifer Rysdam this is exactly why many of us do not mandate renter insurance. If they fail to comply, are you going to kick them out over a $15 policy? The only possible benefit to you is protection against a personal injury claim but your insurance already covers that. Do you know what the odds are of a tenant suing you AND winning? I have nine years experience as a property manager and network with thousands of others around the country. I've never heard of a Landlord losing a lawsuit that couldn't be covered by their own insurance but would have been covered by the Tenant's insurance. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think it's possible.

The amount of time spent trying to enforce renters insurance is ridiculous and not scalable. Highly recommend it. Explain what happens if they fail to use it. Then let them make their own choice.

If you are concerned about protecting yourself or your investments, get a good umbrella policy.

The amount of time spent trying to enforce renters insurance is ridiculous and not scalable. Highly recommend it. Explain what happens if they fail to use it. Then let them make their own choice.

If you are concerned about protecting yourself or your investments, get a good umbrella policy.

Steve DellaPelle · Answer

@Jennifer Rysdam Also...if you require renters insurance then you should not let the tenant move in unless they provide proof of coverage prior to move in. This is how we do it and it ensures that every tenant is covered for at least a year. We also require that we are added on as an additional insured or interested party so that we receive notice of non-payment or any lapse in coverage.

Jill F. · Answer

I don't require renter's insurance, but if I did, I'd 'discount' rent $15/month with proof of insurance, and if tenants don't want to get the insurance they could just pay me the extra $15/month.

Aaron Hunt · Answer

You collect $15/month up front for the lease itself and say you’re buying on their behalf. Done.

It’s what I have done on all my properties.

That’s of course, in addition to my $500k liability coverage per door, and multi-million $ umbrella policy on top of that. Suddenly slip and falls don’t seem quite as scary.

Luciano A. · Answer

@Jennifer Rysdam

Renters insurance covers more than just liability. If a person trashed your property and or leaves it in pig style after moving you can file under their policy.

Another benefit that most landlords don’t realize until it happens to them is that renters insurance protects from property damage caused by your tenant. An example that can be costly is a suicide inside the property. If you have high deductible it can really cause a dent in your cash flow.

As others said if it’s in your lease be aggressive to enforce it otherwise take it out. Once something happens it’s to late. Just bc they signed lease doesn’t mean you won’t be left holding the bag.

Also best to be listed as either additional insured or certificate holder so this way you get renewal sent directly to you from insurance company.

Steve DellaPelle · Answer

@Jennifer Rysdam I work for a PM company and we require Renters Insurance per our lease agreement. We track each resident's policy and if our records aren't up to date then we reach out for the updated policy. If they do not respond after 2-3 times of reaching out then we send a more concerning email/letter that this is the final notice before further action is required. If they still do not respond then you should be able to send a notice to quit and file an eviction (following your state laws/regulations).

Jen R. · Answer

I would send a notice of the lease violation and be prepared to take the next steps if they do not comply.  If they are not cooperative on something as simple as obtaining renter’s insurance, they are just going to cause more headaches down the road. Or worse, maybe there’s a reason they are uninsurable. Renter’s insurance does much more than simply protect their belongings - it protects you and your property if the tenants cause damage (e.g. if tenant starts a cooking fire and burns down the kitchen, your homeowner’s insurance likely will not cover it - it will be on your tenant and their renter’s insurance).

Thomas S. · Answer

If you do not intend to enforce a article of your lease remove it. Not enforcing a article of a contract will make it null and void. If you do not respect the contract enough to enforce it don't expect your tenant to respect it.

Leo Rodriguez · Answer

@Jennifer Rysdam It's stated in the lease that they need to have renters insurance and they signed it. If you have home insurance you don't have to force them to get it, your home insurance covers you for whatever happens. If someone breaks in and they get robbed, they can't blame or force you to pay for their things because they signed the lease. That's what renters insurance is for.

Hope that helps!

Jeremy A. · Answer

i require proof to get keys at walk thru.

i put in lease they must maintain or face consequences financially legally and  or eviction.

they must keep 100k/20kpersonal

What to do?? They won't get me copies of renter's insurance

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