Do you require your tenants to have renters insurance? If so, why? If not, why not? What kind of market would you recommend it in? And what kind of policy do you require if you do?

I stand corrected! The "official" state tenant/landlord information only states that a tenant may wish to purchase such coverage. If it is written into the lease/rental agreement, the landlord may, in fact, make renter's insurance a requirement of tenancy. Therefore, that will appear in my next lease. Thanks, everyone!

I require all tenants to have renters insurance and insist on a minimum 1M liability. No reason for my insurance to have to cover their mistakes or those of their guests.

Being a CPCU, I contacted one of the Kansas CPCU Chapters and asked them this question. They responded that it is not illegal to require renters insurance in Kansas and is a best practice in risk mitigation. They did state that some insurers in the area may not allow additional insured status, but other insurers will, it's up to the underwriter if they offer AI or not. They then went on to state they they would recommend putting the requirement in the lease (contract) so you can evict for breach of contract (if you were so inclined). Easier than eviction is people with multiple properties (usually 25+, so it's great for PM) can get forced place renters coverage, so they have it in the lease that they have to have it, when they don't or they let it lapse, then a fee is contractually added to the monthly rent of $10-20 to pay for the forced-place renters insurance. It works well this way, because the lease would read that the first $10-20 paid each month without renters insurance goes to the forced placed renters insurance. So if their rent was $500, you let them know their policy expired, we've added the charge, they only pay $500, you then send them a late notice with $20 still due on rent and $50 late fee. It increases fee income as well as protects you from tenant caused and insurable damages. A disclaimer to the above, I talked to an insurance person that operates in this sphere all day, but it was not a KS real estate attorney.

@Kathleen Leary Interesting. The last apartment complex I rented from in Overland Park required renters insurance of which I had to show proof. Most the others have just strongly suggested it.

@Art Maydan almost all insurance companies require, or like to see the lease make a recommendation for and require (in states where it is allowed) renters insurance. It adds an extra level of protection for you and your insurance carrier against liability lawsuits and possibly subrogation (recovery of the claim payout) of damages your tenant has caused.

In this state, you cannot require tenants to carry renter's insurance. You might check your local statutes first. I certainly suggest they look into it.

I used to strongly recommend rental insurance coverage. As of this year, I require rental insurance.Why? Based on what I read on this site it is only a benefit to you and it is allowed within my state. Not to mention damage (water damage from the misuse of a dishwasher) I discovered in my property might have been easily covered under such a policy versus me having to go after damages from the former tenants.

I am seeing most landlords and property mamagers making it a lease requirement here in Washington. I always recommend this to my investors. It adds an extra layer of protection and lets your tenants know they should take care of your property just like you do.

Every house I've ever rented required me to have it and depending on the prop mgmt company they'd automatically enroll you in it unless you had proof that you carried acceptable coverage. This has been CA...

Requiring Renters Insurance?Requiring Renters Insurance?

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Requiring Renters Insurance?

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