Personal & household line

Landlord / dwelling insurance

InsuranceFinder coverage guide · Updated September 2026

Landlord insurance (dwelling fire policy) covers physical structure damage to a residential rental property you own and lease out, plus premises liability and loss of rental income while repairs are made. It does not cover the tenants’ personal belongings or routine maintenance vacancies.

Landlord coverage breakdown: dwelling, liability & lost rent

A typical landlord (dwelling fire / rental dwelling) policy focuses on the rental building you own and lease out, plus related liability and lost rent. It is usually not a substitute for a tenant's renters policy.

1. Dwelling / rental structure

Pays to repair or rebuild the rental dwelling after covered perils (for example fire or certain wind damage), subject to the policy form, deductible, and limits.

2. Other structures

May cover detached structures on the rental property (sheds, fences) within the policy's other-structures limit.

3. Loss of rents / fair rental value

May help replace lost rental income while the dwelling is uninhabitable after a covered peril, subject to policy terms.

4. Premises liability

Helps defend and pay covered claims if someone is injured on the rental premises in connection with your ownership, subject to the liability limit.

Important landlord exclusions to know:

A standard landlord / dwelling policy usually does not cover flood, earthquake or ground movement, wear-and-tear or poor maintenance, or the tenant's personal belongings (tenants usually need renters insurance). Vacancy rules, short-term rental use, and student or high-turnover occupancy can change eligibility and exclusions — read the form and any endorsements.

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Who typically uses landlord insurance

Landlord insurance is typically carried by people who own a residential rental property and lease it to tenants. Owner-occupied homes usually use a homeowners policy instead. Tenants usually need a separate renters policy for their belongings and personal liability. Flood and earthquake usually need separate coverage or endorsements when available.