Fast, affordable landlord insurance

Q: Do I really need landlord insurance for my rental property?

Landlord insurance isn’t required by law, but it’s strongly recommended if you want to protect your rental property investment. Many mortgage lenders require it, and a standard homeowners policy typically won’t cover rental activity. Most landlords choose a landlord policy (often DP-1 or DP-3) that can cover the dwelling, liability, and loss of rental income. Short-term rentals may require specialized coverage since many standard policies exclude Airbnb and Vrbo activity.

Q: How much landlord insurance coverage do I need?

Many landlords aim for enough dwelling coverage to rebuild the property at today’s construction costs (not market value), plus liability coverage based on risk tolerance and exposure. Higher liability limits can make sense if you own multiple properties or have higher-risk situations. Short-term rental owners may also consider higher liability limits since transient guests can increase liability exposure. A common approach is: enough dwelling coverage to rebuild fully, and enough liability coverage to feel comfortable.

Q: What are the most important endorsements and add-ons?

The best add-ons depend on your property and risk profile. Flood and earthquake coverage are often separate policies because many landlord policies exclude those perils. Equipment breakdown coverage can help protect expensive systems like HVAC, boilers, and electrical panels from mechanical failure. Excess liability or an umbrella policy can add liability protection above your base limits, which can be helpful for landlords with multiple properties. The goal is to evaluate your key risks—like location, property age, and tenant type—and add coverage that fills gaps in the base policy.

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Eric Martin

Sacramento, CA

I had a quote within half an hour and then connected them with my mortgage lender for closing via email. Very easy to work with.

Elizabeth Oreo

Etowah, TN

They respond quickly and communicate well. I was able to get the policy I needed to convert my vacation home to Airbnb.

Arnold Chambers

Louisville, KY

The process of getting a landlord policy was very smooth. A few text messages, and the price was great, new policy saved us over $600!

Robert Unterberger

Wynnewood, PA

Best coverage option for small landlord. Very impressed by easy to navigate website and competitive coverage. Couldn't ask for better.

What is landlord insurance?

Landlord insurance is a policy that protects rental property owners from financial losses. This coverage goes beyond standard homeowners insurance by addressing the unique risks of renting out property. Whether you own a single-family home, condo, or multifamily building, landlord insurance provides essential protection for your investment, including:

Liability coverage for injuries and legal claims

Property protection against fire and water damage

Loss of rental income if your property becomes uninhabitable

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Who is landlord insurance for?

Landlord insurance is designed for anyone who rents out residential property. Whether you're just starting out or managing multiple units, this coverage protects your investment and income. Common landlord insurance customers include:

Real estate investors building a rental property portfolio

Homeowners who moved but kept their previous home as a rental

Multi-unit property owners with duplexes, triplexes, or apartment buildings

Vacation rental hosts offering short-term stays

Inherited property owners renting out family homes

Landlord insurance vs. homeowners insurance explained

Landlord insurance

Built for rental properties and income protection

Designed for properties you don’t live in: Protects rental homes and investment properties occupied by tenants instead of owners.

Covers risks tied to renting your property: Helps protect against tenant-related damage, rental liability claims, and property risks unique to landlords.

Liability protection for rental activity: Coverage applies when injuries or claims arise from tenants, guests, or property conditions.

Can help protect rental income: Optional coverages may reimburse lost rent after covered damage.

Built for higher-risk rental situations: Specifically structured for the legal and financial exposure landlords face.

Homeowners

Not designed for rental properties

Requires owner occupancy: If you don’t live in the home, a homeowners policy may not apply.

Rental activity is typically excluded: Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover tenant-related risks.

Claims may be denied if the home is rented: Using a homeowners policy for a rental property can create major coverage gaps.

Protects personal belongings — not rental operations: Coverage focuses on the homeowner’s possessions rather than landlord risks.

Liability coverage isn’t built for tenants: Personal liability protection may not extend to landlord-specific claims.

Properties we look after

We make it easy to get landlord insurance for many types of properties

We also cover short-term rental properties, such as Airbnbs and VRBOs

Not sure if your property is covered?

Single-family

Multi-family

ADUs

Condo units

Vacant & restoration

What does landlord insurance cover?

We cover a wide range of risks, or you can choose a limited set of coverages for a lower premium

Riot & civil commotion

Protect your rental property from damage caused by riots or civil commotion. Steadily’s landlord insurance includes coverage for these rare but costly events.

Vandalism & burglary

Steadily offers landlord insurance coverage for vandalism and burglary damage. Learn what’s included, how it protects your rental property, and get a quote online.

Loss of rent

Landlord insurance from Steadily covers loss of rent due to a covered claim. See coverage details, limits, and get a quote in minutes.

Storm and hail

Landlord insurance from Steadily covers storm, wind, hail, and lightning damage. See coverage details, limits, and get a quote in minutes.

Water

Landlord insurance from Steadily covers common types of water-related damage. Discover coverage details, policy limits, and get a quote in minutes.

Legal liability

Landlord insurance from Steadily covers common types of legal liability claims. Discover coverage details, policy limits, and get a quote in minutes.

Fire

Landlord insurance from Steadily covers common types of fire-related damage. Discover coverage details, policy limits, and get a quote in minutes.

FAQs

about landlord insurance

Do I really need landlord insurance for my rental property?

It's not required by law, but landlord insurance is highly recommended if you want to protect your rental property investment. Your mortgage lender almost certainly requires it, and even if you own the property outright, your homeowners insurance won't cover rental activity, meaning you could be completely uninsured if a tenant causes damage, someone gets injured on your property, or you face a lawsuit. Most need a DP-1 or DP-3 policy covering the dwelling, liability, and loss of rental income, though short-term rentals require specialized coverage since standard policies exclude Airbnb and Vrbo activity.

How much landlord insurance coverage do I need?

Most landlords desire enough coverage to fully rebuild their property at current construction costs (not market value), plus liability coverage depending on comfort level and risk exposure. Higher liability limits are recommended if you own multiple properties or rent to higher-risk tenants. Short-term rental owners should consider even higher liability limits since transient guests create more liability exposure than long-term tenants. Bottom line: get enough dwelling coverage to rebuild completely, and enough liability coverage to sleep at night.

What are the most important endorsements and add-ons?

It again depends on your property and risk profile, but several are worth considering. Flood and earthquake coverage are separate policies since standard landlord insurance excludes these perils, and they're essential if you're in high-risk areas. Equipment breakdown coverage protects expensive systems like HVAC, boilers, and electrical panels beyond basic mechanical failure. Excess liability and umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage above your base policy limits, which is valuable if you own multiple properties or want extra protection. The key is evaluating your specific risks such as location, property age, tenant type, and asset value – then adding endorsements that fill the gaps in your base policy.

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