In the terms of leases offered to tenants, do you require that they purchase their own renters insurance policy? If not, you should! Below is a look at the importance of requiring renters insurance for tenants in Massachusetts.
Reduces Landlord Liability
There are many different types of incidents that can occur at a property. Some are related to the building and some are specific to the tenant. For instance, a visitor may fall down the stairs, trip over a doorway threshold, get food poisoning, get bitten by a tenant’s dog, or get injured while participating in some type of sporting activity in the home. When a renters insurance policy exists, tenants and their guests are more likely to file a claim against the renters insurance policy versus the owner’s homeowners insurance.
Renters insurance policies typically include personal liability protection. This covers accidental bodily injury or injury to another’s property. It covers incidents taking place in the rental unit or caused by the tenants, their children, and/or their pets. By requiring tenants to purchase a Massachusetts renters insurance policy, landlords are shielding themselves a bit from certain liability related to their tenants.
Protects Tenant Belongings
Homeowners insurance policies normally exclude tenants’ belongings. So, in the case of a fire, for instance, the building would be protected but not any of the tenants’ furniture, clothing, electronics, and other personal items. By requiring a renters insurance policy, you are helping tenants protect themselves! Most tenants don’t realize how affordable renters insurance can be, especially when combined with auto insurance and other policies.
Requiring Renters Insurance for Tenants in Massachusetts Protects Everyone’s Interests
When it comes down to it, requiring renters insurance for tenants is an important way to protect everyone’s best interests. Most tenants don’t realize that their belongings are not covered by existing policies or that they may incur personal liabilities. Most mistakenly think of it as a policy for high-end apartments, but it is actually beneficial to anyone who would face a hardship from a total loss of their apartment and belongings. For landlords, it’s an absolute must to minimize potential liabilities that could cut into profits.
