Landlord Insruance/Fire dwelling coverage

[Nick Ragland]

Hi BP,

I converted my SFH into 2 units a year ago. I've been house hacking one side and I'm renting out the other side. I'm considering fire dwelling coverage or "landlord insurance" to protect myself in the event tenants start fire, flood, lost rental income, ect. My insurance agent is under the impression that I just have roommates and the house is still a Single family dwelling. What language do I use when speaking with agent? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[Nathan Gesner]

Honesty is the best policy. You should tell your insurer exactly what  you are doing. If you don't and they discover it during a claim, then you'll possibly lose all coverage.

You should also confirm with zoning that your duplex is authorized. You can't just split properties into multi-family without proper permission.