Personal Insurance

Dwelling Fire & Landlord Insurance — Coverage Built for Rental Properties

Homeowners policies exclude rental properties. If you own a home or investment property that's rented to others, you need a dwelling fire or landlord policy designed specifically for property owners.

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What Landlord Insurance Covers

A landlord or dwelling fire policy protects your property as an investment — the structure, your liability as a landlord, and the rental income you'd lose if a covered loss made the property uninhabitable.

Dwelling / Structure

Covers the physical structure against fire, windstorm, vandalism, and other covered perils. Typically written on a replacement cost basis.

Other Structures

Detached garages, fences, and outbuildings — typically at 10% of the dwelling limit.

Loss of Rental Income

If a covered loss forces your tenants to vacate, this pays the rental income you lose while the property is being repaired — typically for 12 months.

Landlord Liability

Covers your legal liability as a property owner if a tenant or visitor is injured on the premises.

Landlord Personal Property

Covers appliances, furnishings, and other property you own that stays at the rental — refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers.

What's NOT covered

Tenant's personal belongings (they need renters insurance), tenant-caused damage beyond the security deposit, and flood (requires separate policy).

Dwelling fire and landlord coverage

We write dwelling fire and landlord policies for single-family rentals, small multi-family, vacation rentals, and investment property portfolios.

Why a homeowners policy isn't enough

  • Homeowners policies exclude rental activity
  • Tenant injury liability is different
  • Loss of rental income not covered
  • Vacancy clauses create gaps
  • Investment property needs different coverage

Dwelling Policy Forms — DP-1, DP-2, DP-3

Entry Level

DP-1: Basic Form

Named-perils coverage for the most basic risks — fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, riot, vehicles, smoke, and vandalism. The most affordable but most limited option.

  • Named perils only
  • ACV payment (depreciated)
  • Good for low-value properties
  • Least expensive option
Common

DP-2: Broad Form

Expands DP-1 to include additional perils such as weight of ice and snow, accidental water discharge, and freezing. Still named perils.

  • More perils than DP-1
  • Still named perils basis
  • Mid-range pricing
  • Some carriers offer replacement cost
Recommended

DP-3: Special Form

Open perils on the dwelling — covers all causes of loss except specifically excluded. The most comprehensive form and most common for landlords.

  • Open perils on structure
  • Replacement cost available
  • Best overall protection
  • Most commonly recommended

Loss of Rents

If a covered loss forces your tenant to vacate, loss of rents pays your monthly rental income during repairs — critical for mortgaged properties.

  • Covers actual lost rental income
  • Typically 12 months
  • Critical for leveraged properties
  • Often included in DP-3

Landlord Liability

Standard $100,000–$300,000 in premises liability. Consider a personal umbrella for additional protection.

  • Tenant injury claims
  • Premises liability
  • Adjacent property damage
  • Add umbrella for higher limits

Vacancy & Short-Term Rental

Properties vacant more than 30–60 days may have coverage restricted. Short-term rentals require special endorsements.

  • Vacancy permits for empty properties
  • Short-term rental endorsements
  • Host protection programs
  • Check policy terms carefully

Common Questions

  • No. Standard homeowners policies exclude or significantly restrict coverage when the property is rented. If your tenant is injured or a fire damages the property, your homeowners carrier can deny the claim. You need a dwelling fire or landlord policy for any rented property.

  • No — your landlord policy covers the structure and your property. Your tenants' belongings are their responsibility. It's good practice to require tenants to carry renters insurance as a condition of the lease.

  • Most landlord policies restrict coverage after 30–60 days of vacancy. If the property will be vacant during a turnover or renovation, notify your agent — a vacancy permit may be needed.

  • Standard dwelling fire policies are written for long-term tenants. Short-term rental activity typically requires a specific endorsement or standalone policy.

  • Most landlord policies include $100,000–$300,000 in liability. We recommend pairing your landlord policy with a personal umbrella for $1M+ in additional protection.

Protect your rental property investment.

We write dwelling fire and landlord policies for single-family rentals, multi-family, and investment portfolios.

Get a Landlord Quote Talk to an Advisor