What is Dwelling Fire / Landlord Insurance?
Dwelling Fire Insurance, sometimes called Landlord Insurance, is designed specifically for property owners who rent out residential units. Unlike a standard homeowners insurance policy, which protects owner-occupied homes, dwelling fire insurance covers rental properties against the unique risks landlords face.
This type of insurance is essential if you own:
- Single-family rental homes
- Multi-family buildings
- Apartment complexes
- Condos rented to tenants
Landlord insurance protects your investment, your income, and your liability as a property owner, giving you peace of mind while renting out your property.
Coverage Offered by Dwelling Fire / Landlord Insurance
A landlord insurance policy typically includes several critical protections:
- Property Coverage
Covers the structure of your rental property, including:
- The building itself
- Attached structures (like decks or porches)
- Appliances, fixtures, and plumbing
- Roofing, siding, and flooring
It protects your property against damage from fire, lightning, wind, hail, vandalism, and certain natural disasters.
- Liability Protection
Protects you if a tenant or visitor is injured on your property due to negligence, such as:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Injuries from property maintenance issues
- Claims for bodily injury or property damage
- Loss of Rental Income / Business Income Coverage
If your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, landlord insurance can cover:
- Lost rental income
- Additional living expenses for tenants (if included in the policy)
- Optional Add-On Coverages
Depending on your property and risk exposure, you may also consider:
- Equipment breakdown coverage
- Ordinance or law coverage (upgrades required by local building codes)
- Flood insurance (not included in standard policies)
- Earthquake coverage
