Landlord insurance for the home you rent out

Think of it as coverage for the house, not for the people living in it.

• The dwelling: the structure, for covered causes of loss.
• Other structures: things like a detached shed or fence, depending on the policy.
• Liability: if you add it. More on that below.
• Loss of rent: some policies offer it after a covered loss. It depends on the company.

This one surprises people. A landlord policy can look cheap on paper because the good stuff isn’t included. Check each quote line by line.

• Liability: often optional. I’d want to see it on the quote.
• Your own contents: appliances or furniture you provide.
• Theft: often optional too.
• Water and roof limits: older rentals often get limited water coverage, and the roof may be paid at depreciated value. See water damage, plumbing and older homes.
• Flood: separate. Start with my flood insurance page.

How you rent the place changes what companies will offer. Be straight with me about it.

• Long-term lease: the usual setup.
• Short-term or vacation rental: treated very differently. Many policies won’t fit.
• Vacant between tenants: companies often have rules on how long a home can sit empty.
• LLC or trust owner: usually insurable, but how liability is handled differs by company.

• The address, age of the home and age of the roof.
• How it’s rented and who owns it.
• What the tenant is responsible for.
• Any prior claims.
• What you want for liability. I’ll quote it the way you ask.

Two articles go deeper: insuring a rental property in Florida and seasonal homes, rentals, LLCs and trusts.

• Florida Department of Financial Services: homeowners and renters insurance

This page is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. Coverage, limits and eligibility depend on the company and the policy. Chris Chase is a licensed independent insurance broker in Hudson, Florida.