Does Rental Property Insurance Cover Tenant Damage?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Owning rental property comes with its share of risks—especially when tenants cause damage. Whether you're renting out a duplex, condo, vacation home, or short-term Airbnb, understanding what your insurance policy covers is essential. One of the most common questions landlords ask is: Does rental property insurance cover tenant damage?
The answer depends on the type of damage and the specifics of your policy. At Wexford Insurance, we help landlords navigate these complexities with customized coverage for all types of rental properties.
What Is Rental Property Insurance?
Rental property insurance—often called landlord insurance—is designed for properties that are leased to tenants. Unlike homeowners' insurance, which covers owner-occupied homes, landlord insurance protects against risks associated with renting, including property damage, liability claims, and loss of rental income.
This type of insurance is essential for owners of:
Long-term rentals
Vacation homes and cabins
Duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes
Condos, lake houses, and townhomes
Types of Tenant Damage Covered
Rental property insurance typically covers accidental damage caused by tenants. This includes:
Kitchen fires 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 landlord 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. For wear and tear, landlords often rely on security deposits to cover minor repairs.
Additional Coverage Options
To enhance protection, landlords can consider:
Loss of rental income coverage if the unit becomes uninhabitable
Landlord liability insurance for injuries or legal claims
Contents coverage for furnished units
Vandalism endorsements for intentional damage
At Wexford Insurance, we help you choose the right combination of coverage based on your property type and tenant risk level.
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
Whether you own a lake house, duplex, or vacation rental, we ensure your investment is protected from tenant-related risks.
Final Thoughts
Tenant damage can be unpredictable, but your insurance coverage doesn’t have to be. With Wexford Insurance, landlords get peace of mind and protection tailored to their rental business. Connect today!
FAQs
1. Does rental property insurance cover accidental tenant damage?
Yes, most policies cover accidental damage like fires or water leaks.
2. Is intentional damage by tenants covered?
No, unless you have a specific vandalism or malicious damage endorsement.
3. Can I use a security deposit for uncovered damage?
Yes, security deposits are commonly used to cover wear and tear or excluded damage.
