Rental property coverage
Landlord insurance for rental homes and small rental properties
A rental home needs different insurance than the home you live in. Landlord insurance protects the building, your rental income, and your liability as an owner. Kaufman Insurance Group compares rental property options from multiple companies for individual landlords and small investors.
- Coverage for single-family rentals and small multi-unit homes
- Options for lost rent after a covered loss
- Liability protection for you as the property owner
Personal & Commercial · Quick Quotes – Good Rates · Great Companies
As an independent agency, we compare landlord and rental property insurance from the companies we work with. The companies that can quote you depend on what you want to insure, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
These logos show some of the insurance companies Kaufman Insurance Group may be able to quote as an independent agency. Showing a logo does not mean the company endorses us. Which companies can offer you coverage depends on the type of insurance, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
The basics
What landlord insurance is
Landlord insurance is coverage for a home you own but rent to someone else. It is often written on what is called a dwelling fire policy, a policy form built for homes that are not the owner’s main residence. It protects the building and your liability as the owner.
Your own homeowners policy is written for the home you live in. Once you move out and rent the home to tenants, that policy may no longer fit, and it may not cover the building or your liability the way you expect. Telling your insurance company how the home is used is important.
Landlord insurance does not cover your tenants’ belongings. Tenants should carry their own renters insurance, and many landlords require it in the lease.
Single-family rental homes
A house you own and rent to one household on a lease, including a former home you kept as a rental.
Duplexes
A two-unit building where you rent one or both sides, including one where you live in the other unit.
Small multi-family buildings
Triplexes, fourplexes, and similar small residential buildings rented to long-term tenants. Larger apartment buildings usually need a commercial policy.
Short-term and vacation rentals
Homes rented by the night or week on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar sites usually need different coverage than a landlord policy.
Explore short-term rental insuranceKnow what you are choosing
What landlord insurance typically includes
Rental property policies come in multiple forms, from basic to broad. These are the main coverages to compare.
Dwelling coverage
Helps repair or rebuild the rental home after covered causes of loss. Basic forms cover fewer causes than broader forms.
Other structures
Helps with detached garages, sheds, and fences on the rental property.
Fair rental value
Helps replace rent you lose while the home is being repaired after a covered loss.
Landlord liability
Helps pay if a tenant or visitor is hurt because of a problem with the property and you are found responsible.
Landlord’s personal property
Helps with items you own and keep at the rental, such as appliances you provide.
Optional coverages
Options such as vandalism, water backup, or building code upgrades, depending on the company.
Is it right for you
Who needs landlord insurance
If you own a single-family home, duplex, or small multi-family building that someone else lives in, you likely need a landlord or dwelling policy instead of a standard homeowners policy.
Accidental landlords
You moved and kept your old home as a rental. Your policy may need to change.
Small investors
You own one or multiple rental homes and want each one insured correctly.
Owners renting to family
Even if a relative lives in the home, the policy should reflect that you do not live there.
Owners of duplexes and small multi-family buildings
You rent out part or all of a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, whether or not you live in one of the units.
Just turned your home into a rental? An agent can help you update your coverage.
How Kaufman helps
How we help you insure your rental property
We look at how the property is used and match it with the right policy form, so your coverage fits the way you actually rent.
Tell us about the property
Share the address, age, number of units, how it is rented, and any updates to the roof, plumbing, or wiring.
We compare companies
An agent reviews rental property options from the companies we work with and explains the differences between policy forms.
Choose your coverage
Pick the coverage that fits. We can also review your umbrella coverage, since rentals add liability risk.
We focus on Ohio and North Carolina, and we can also help landlords in most other states. If you own multiple rentals, ask us about your options. If you own a building leased to businesses, see commercial landlord and lessor’s risk insurance. If a rental is empty or being renovated, see vacant property and builders risk insurance. Our blog also covers investment property and short-term rental insurance topics.
Common questions
Landlord insurance questions
Can I keep my homeowners policy if I rent out my house?
Usually not. A homeowners policy is written for a home you live in. Once you rent it out, you typically need a landlord or dwelling fire policy. Tell your agent before you rent the home.
What is a dwelling fire policy?
A dwelling fire policy is a policy form for homes that are not the owner’s main residence, such as rentals. Despite the name, it can cover more than fire, depending on the form you choose.
Does landlord insurance cover my tenant’s belongings?
No. Landlord insurance covers the building and your liability. Tenants need their own renters insurance for their belongings.
Does landlord insurance cover lost rent?
Many policies offer fair rental value coverage, which can replace rent you lose while the home is repaired after a covered loss.
Do short-term rentals need different insurance?
Often, yes. Homes rented by the night or week have different risks, and many landlord and homeowners policies limit coverage for them. See our short-term rental insurance page, and tell us how you rent the home so we can look at the right options.
Related coverage
Coverage that pairs well with landlord insurance
Homeowners insurance
Coverage for the home you live in.
Explore homeowners insurancePersonal umbrella insurance
Extra liability protection that can extend over your rental properties.
Explore umbrella insuranceRenters insurance
Share this with your tenants so their belongings are protected, too.
Explore renters insuranceShort-term rental insurance
Coverage for homes rented by the night or week on Airbnb, VRBO, and similar sites.
Explore short-term rental insuranceCommercial insurance hub
Business coverage, including options for larger rental properties and property owners.
Explore commercial insurancePersonal insurance hub
See every type of personal coverage we can help you with, from your home and cars to your toys and valuables.
Explore personal lines insuranceReady to protect your rental property?
Start a landlord insurance quote online, or contact us with questions. An agent will help you compare your options.
Prefer to talk? Call (330) 486-8404.