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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Self Managing your property?

By Florida PMServices • June 10, 2026
Think again !!

June 2026 Newsletter

By Florida PMServices • June 9, 2026
Welcome to this month’s Investor Newsletter. With market conditions varying widely from one metro to the next, staying informed has never been more important. This edition dives into the shift away from a one-size-fits-all housing market, highlights the hidden value of assumable mortgages, and covers the SFR headlines worth watching this month. Let’s dive in! The Death of the “National Housing Market”: Why Local Knowledge Is the New Investor Edge For years, real estate investors could rely on a familiar narrative: the housing market is hot or the market is cooling. But in 2026, that headline is becoming less and less applicable as there is no longer just one housing market. Instead, there are thousands of local markets moving at different speeds. At the national level, housing appears more balanced than it has in years. According to Realtor.com’s Housing Market Report , April contract signings rose 4.5% year over year, while new listings reached their highest level since 2022. On paper, that suggests momentum is returning, but beneath the surface, the story can change by region, metro, and even ZIP code. Realtor.com found that performance across the top 50 U.S. metros varies widely, buyer activity is picking up in some areas, while others remain slow. In fact, many of the strongest-performing housing markets in early 2026 have been concentrated in the Midwest rather than the typically strongest Sun Belt region. A recent Fortune analysis noted that affordability and home pricing are helping Midwest markets outperform many southern metros in which are now facing softer demand and rising inventory. Rental performance is becoming just as localized too. The latest SFR Index found rent growth slowing significantly compared to prior years, with standalone SFR rents increasing just 0.8% year over year nationally in February. Meanwhile, some markets continue to stabilize while others face more pressure from new supply and affordability challenges. Additionally, according to a Yardi Matrix report , areas with more new construction, particularly in parts of the Sun Belt, are seeing weaker rent growth. Local market changes often show up first in property management data. Leasing activity, renewal rates, concessions, and tenant demand tend to change at the neighborhood level long before national housing reports reflect them. One area may remain highly competitive while a nearby neighborhood sees slower leasing activity. As an investor, it may be time to look beyond national headlines and even citywide trends when evaluating markets. You may want to look at where homes are leasing fastest and which neighborhoods are seeing new supply. Competitive edge may not come from choosing the right city, but from understanding the right block. As your property management company, we are here to help, so please reach out if you have any questions about your market. Did You Know: Assumable Mortgages Everything You Need to Know in 60 Seconds! What exactly is an assumable mortgage? Instead of getting a brand-new loan, the buyer takes over (or “assumes”) the seller’s existing mortgage, including the current interest rate, remaining balance, and loan terms. Not all loans qualify, but many FHA, VA, and USDA loans do, while most conventional loans do not. Who can use this? Real estate investors, homebuyers, and sellers can all benefit. For investors, assumable loans can be attractive when today’s interest rates are much higher than the seller’s existing loan rate. On the other side, it can also be used as a major selling point. Where can investors find this? Assumable mortgages can be found nationwide, but availability depends on the financing already attached to the property. Most conventional bank loans have a "due-on-sale" clause, which means they cannot be assumed. When is the best time to use this? These loans become especially valuable when current mortgage rates are much higher than rates from previous years. Assuming a mortgage at 3% instead of getting a new loan at 7% could dramatically reduce monthly payments for investors. Why does this matter? As a buyer, an assumable mortgage can help improve cash flow, lower financing costs, and make a property more attractive to future buyers. As a seller, it acts as a massive marketing tool. Offering a built-in low interest rate allows your property to stand out. Investor Takeaway: A low-rate assumable mortgage can be a valuable opportunity when buying AND a strong selling feature when it’s time to exit an investment. SFR Trending Headlines Stay Up to Date on the Hottest SFR News & Stories Are Single-Family Rentals Climbing While Apartments Slump? The Summer Pause : Why Zillow Says the Housing Recovery Just Hit a Wall Lizzo Offloads Her Beverly Hills Compound at a Massive $4M Discount Wall Street Is Betting $15 Billion on a Brand-New Wave of Housing Supply Why Ellen DeGeneres Just Listed Her $30M Eco-Farmhouse and Left for the UK Rate Update: We've Partnered with LendingOne to Bring You The Best DSCR Rates & Terms! DSCR Loan Advantages: Rates Often Lower Than Banks No Personal Income Requirement No Tax Returns Needed Not Reported on Credit Faster Closing Times Specialized Loans for Investors Only! To Inquire about Single Family Investor loans by email us at office@properties.rent Until Next Month! The Florida Property Management Services Team

Florida Law HB 803

By Florida PMServices • June 4, 2026
Florida HB 803 is a new law that exempts certain residential construction work valued under $7,500 from building permit requirements, effective July 1, 2026. This law aims to simplify the permitting process and reduce delays for small home improvement projects. Resources: Florida House Adam & Reese Attorneys Overview of Florida HB 803 Florida HB 803 is a new law that significantly changes the building permit requirements for residential construction in Florida. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Key Provisions Permit Exemption: Residential construction work valued under $7,500 is exempt from building permit requirements. Local Government Limitations: Local officials are restricted from inspecting exempted work. Temporary Structures: The law allows for certain temporary hurricane or flood protection walls to be built without a permit. Additional Changes Private Provider Authority: Expands the role of private providers in the permitting process, reducing local oversight. Homeowners' Associations: Prohibits HOAs from requiring permits for architectural reviews of proposed improvements. Permit Review Deadlines: Introduces mandatory deadlines for permit reviews, aiming to speed up the process. Important Considerations Written Request: Homeowners or contractors must submit a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency. Prohibition on Project Splitting: Projects cannot be divided into smaller components to evade the $7,500 threshold. Exclusions: The exemption does not apply to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work. This law aims to streamline the permitting process, reduce costs, and encourage home improvement projects across Florida. Very Important to remember: Under Florida HB 803, residential construction work valued under $7,500 is exempt from building permits, except for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work, which still require permits regardless of cost. The exemption also does not apply to properties in flood hazard areas
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