Does Landlord Insurance Cover Tenant Damage?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Renting out property comes with its share of risks—especially when tenants cause damage. Whether you own a duplex, condo, vacation home, or short-term Airbnb, understanding what your landlord insurance policy covers is essential. One of the most common questions landlords ask is: Does landlord insurance cover tenant damage?
At Wexford Insurance, we help rental property owners navigate these complexities with customized coverage for all types of dwellings. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Landlord Insurance?
Landlord insurance, also known as rental property insurance, is designed for properties leased to tenants. Unlike homeowners' insurance, which covers owner-occupied homes, landlord insurance protects against rental-specific risks such as:
Property damage
Loss of rental income
Optional add-ons like flood, earthquake, and vandalism coverage
What Types of Tenant Damage Are Covered?
Landlord insurance typically covers accidental damage caused by tenants. Examples include:
A kitchen fire started unintentionally
Water damage from burst pipes or overflowing appliances
Broken windows or fixtures during move-in or move-out
Smoke damage from cooking mishaps
These incidents are considered sudden and accidental, and most policies will help pay for repairs, minus the deductible.
What’s Not Covered?
Insurance companies draw a clear line between accidental and intentional damage. Most policies do not cover:
Vandalism or malicious destruction by tenants
Theft of landlord-owned items
Damage from illegal activities (e.g., drug contamination)
Normal wear and tear (e.g., faded paint, worn carpets)
Intentional damage is typically excluded unless you’ve added a malicious damage rider to your policy.
How to Protect Yourself Beyond Insurance
To reduce risk and avoid out-of-pocket expenses, landlords should:
Collect a security deposit to cover minor repairs
Require renters' insurance to protect tenant liability
Conduct routine inspections to catch issues early
Use detailed lease agreements outlining tenant responsibilities
Why Choose Wexford Insurance?
Wexford Insurance is your trusted partner for rental property protection. We offer:
Tailored policies for every rental type
Expert guidance on coverage limits and exclusions
Competitive quotes for short-term and long-term rentals
Final Thoughts
Landlord insurance is a vital tool for protecting your rental property—but it doesn’t cover everything. Understanding the difference between covered and excluded tenant damage helps you avoid surprises and safeguard your investment.
Wexford Insurance provides comprehensive coverage and expert support for landlords. Whether you own a lake house, duplex, or vacation rental, we’ll help you stay protected and profitable. Connect today!
FAQs
Q1: Does landlord insurance cover intentional damage by tenants?
No. Most policies exclude intentional damage unless you add a vandalism endorsement.
Q2: Will landlord insurance cover tenant-caused water damage?
Yes, if the damage is sudden and accidental—like a burst pipe or overflowing appliance.
Q3: Can renters insurance help cover tenant damage?
Yes. A tenant’s liability coverage may reimburse landlords for accidental damage.
