Free checklist · Printable PDF
Landlord and Rental Property Insurance Checklist
Renting out a house, condo, or duplex changes how it should be insured. A regular homeowners policy may not fit once you move out. This checklist walks through the dwelling form, liability, lost rent, and the paperwork worth collecting from tenants.
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- Independent agent: compares multiple carriers
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Quick takeaway
- A rental home usually needs a dwelling (landlord) policy instead of a standard homeowners policy.
- Loss of rent coverage can replace income while the home is repaired after a covered loss.
- Vacancy limits can reduce coverage if the home sits empty too long.
- Many landlords require tenants to carry renters insurance.
Policy setup
- Tell your agent the home is (or will be) a rental before the first tenant moves in.
- Compare DP-1, DP-2, and DP-3 forms and how each pays claims.
- Set the dwelling limit based on rebuild cost.
- Add loss of rent (fair rental value) coverage.
- Choose a premises liability limit, and consider an umbrella policy.
- Ask about water backup, ordinance or law, and equipment you provide, like appliances.
Tenant paperwork
- Require renters insurance in the lease, with a minimum liability limit.
- Ask to be listed as an interested party so you’re notified if it lapses.
- Document the unit’s condition with dated photos at move-in and move-out.
- Keep smoke and carbon monoxide detector checks on record.
Between tenants and every year
- Check the policy’s vacancy rules if the home will sit empty.
- Winterize or keep heat on during cold snaps to help prevent frozen pipes.
- Review limits after renovations or rent increases.
- If you start short-term renting, tell your agent first, because many dwelling policies treat it differently.
Short-term and vacant rentals
Short-term rentals and vacant homes raise different questions. Read our guides on short-term rental insurance in Nashville and vacant rental property insurance.
Download, print, and share
Download the free Landlord and Rental Property Insurance Checklist (PDF). It’s a direct download, with no form to fill out. Print it, check things off, and bring it to your next coverage review.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my homeowners policy if I rent out my house?
Usually not without telling the insurer. Many homeowners policies aren’t designed for a home you don’t live in. Ask your agent before a tenant moves in.
Does landlord insurance cover my tenant’s belongings?
No. A landlord policy covers the building and your liability. Tenants need their own renters insurance for their things.
What is loss of rent coverage?
It can replace rental income you lose while the home is being repaired after a covered loss, up to the policy limit.
Want a second set of eyes?
Bring this checklist to a free coverage review. Eric can walk through it with you, explain what you have, and help you shop options from more than one carrier. Call or text 615-808-1105.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
Eric Henry, licensed insurance producer, NPN 3953606 · Affiliated with Hutsenpiller Insurance. Coverage subject to policy terms and carrier approval.