PROPERTY INSURANCE: HAZARD, WIND, FLOOD, AND LIABILITY

Appfolio Websites • August 16, 2019

In the same way that homeowners are required to buy homeowner’s insurance, it’s important that landlords have a landlord insurance policy in place when they’re renting out a home to tenants. Most people don’t realize that nearly 30 percent of residential homes are rental properties. Those properties need a comprehensive insurance policy that covers losses due to fires, break-ins, and severe weather incidents that leave a home uninhabitable for reasons beyond your control.

Homeowner’s Policies versus Landlord Policies

Like homeowner’s insurance, landlord insurance provides coverage for the home itself and other structures on the premises. While both types of insurance are similar, there are a few key differences. For example, homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover the personal property of an owner who lives there, such as furniture, clothing, and computers. However, a landlord insurance policy only covers the structure and its systems.

Since landlord insurance does not cover personal property owned by tenants, we always recommend that tenants carry renter’s insurance. You can require that your tenants buy a renter’s insurance policy, which will not only protect their personal belongings, but also take care of any liability that falls to them when the property is damaged or a guest is injured.

If you’re renting out a property that you once lived in yourself, make sure you convert from a homeowner’s policy to a landlord policy. If you don’t, it’s possible a claim might get denied. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure all of your new requirements as a landlord are met.

Liability and Landlord Insurance

An important part of your insurance policy is your liability protection. If a stairway falls to pieces and a tenant is injured or your tenant’s dog bites a child who lives next door, you may face a lawsuit. When you are sued or a claim is filed against you, the insurance company will defend you against any liability. They’ll also pay any damages that are awarded to the complaining party.

Make sure your policy anticipates all of the potential liability and risk that comes with renting out a property. You cannot be too careful. If you’re working with a property management company, you’ll have an extra layer of coverage. You should also include your property manager as an additional insured so that a unified defense can be in place in the event that there is a lawsuit or a claim against you.

Additional Landlord Insurance Inclusions

We recommend you ensure that your policy includes a loss of rent coverage. If something terrible happens and your tenants are no longer able to live in your home because it’s uninhabitable, you’ll lose rental income but you’ll still have financial obligations that need to be met. Loss of rent coverage will ensure you don’t lose any money while your tenants are displaced and repairs are made.

You can choose additional protections when you’re buying insurance. Flood insurance is an important thing to include in Florida, and many landlords are now buying insurance policies against bed bugs. Talk to your property manager and your insurance agent about what’s really necessary.

Choosing the right landlord insurance policy can be overwhelming, but it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. We can help you with your insurance needs or any of your property management questions. Please contact us at Florida Property Management Services.

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How Today's Rental Experience is Changing what Tenants Expect

By Gaston Reboredo • July 14, 2026

Finding a great tenant for your single-family rental (SFR) used to rely primarily on a clean property and a well-placed "For Rent" sign. Today, the leasing journey begins long before anyone steps through the front door. Today’s renters expect the same convenience and speed from their housing search that they experience online every day, changing how property owners connect with and keep residents. First impressions are solidified online. According to a Zillow Report , 86% of renters now research and narrow down their housing options entirely online, with a growing segment choosing to skip traditional in-person tours altogether. Media-rich listings, transparent pricing, and comprehensive digital layouts seem to no longer be optional. If a property lacks a professional online footprint, many renters will simply scroll past. Convenience also continues to remain a deciding factor. Prospective tenants typically expect fast communication and frictionless leasing processes. The Buildium Industry Report highlights this heightened bar for responsiveness, noting that 48% of single-family renters now demand a response to inquiries within the same day. Utilizing automated workflows, online applications, and digital lease signings keeps high-quality applicants engaged before they pivot to a competitor. With all this in mind, the modern rental experience does not end at move-in. Long-term investor profitability relies heavily on tenant retention, which is deeply influenced by day-to-day operations. Recent SFR Software Reports confirms that professional maintenance management is the primary driver of resident satisfaction, revealing that satisfied residents are 72% more likely to renew their leases. Offering tools like online rent payments and easy maintenance tracking may help improve the resident experience and support stronger tenant satisfaction over time. As your property management partner, we take care of the operational details so you can focus on your investment goals. While property upgrades can add value, creating a smooth, tech-enabled rental experience is just as important in today’s market. Meeting tenant expectations from the first click to lease renewal can help attract quality applicants, reduce turnover, and support stronger rental returns.