My landlord has demanded that I get renter’s insurance. Is this legal?
Question by ct567: My landlord has demanded that I get renter’s insurance. Is this legal?
I live in Marina del Rey, CA, an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County. The new landlord (a big corporation) of my building has informed all residents that they are required to have Renter’s Insurance covering not only fire and theft but also earthquake damage which is an additional large expense in So. California. Also, if you have a dog, you are required to get coverage for dog bites. In addition, they say that not only does the renter need to be on the policy but the corporation has to be “additionally insured” on the policy. The policy has to be proved to have been obtained within 30 days. I have lived in over 15 different apartments in my life and have never heard of a landlord demanding renter’s insurance from its tenants. Is there any possible way this is legal?
Best answer:
Answer by SandraD
The landlord is just protecting you and himself. I would get the insurance. You never know what can happen. I don’t think its legal but he may have had problems before you moved in.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Call the city or county and ask them if this is allowed. Go online and look up the area you live and look up tenant/landlord law. Owners can require things to protect their property as long as it doesn’t violate your rights. Earthquake damage would help protect your property as well, so would the dog bite liability… Laws are changing to incorporate things that did not use to be an issue… Laws change and polices change as the times change…..
It sure is. If you don’t get it, he can give you anywhere from 48 hours up to 4 weeks to move your stuff. That depends on local codes and laws. If he says you gotta have it, than you gotta have it.
Sounds like a great idea to me. I wish more organizations would make people take personal responsibility like this.
No – this is not legal.
Renter’s insurance protects YOU and YOUR STUFF – not their building. By adding them as additional insured, theyr’e requirring that you are providing insurance for them.
The coverage for dog is probably legit, as they can be held liable – however, I still wouldn’t have them on as additional insured.
I would file a complaint with the State of California housing bureau.
Renter’s insurance is good to have, but dog bite insurance
and putting their name on it, I would consult a laywer, they
would not be responsible for you dog if it bit anyone
and they should have their own insurance to cover building
damages. Earthquake Insurance, mmmmm, I would
check because if their is an Earthquake maybe your
stuff might get broke and your medical should cover
any injuries, so yes I think I would consult with a Real Estate
Lawyer.
I dont know about legality, but practical
I own properties in the Iowa and Nebraska and can only comment on regulations in these states. I am not allowed to require renters insurance, but I do encourage it. The reason that the property owner wants you to carry this is that in the case of fire/disaster that is related to your actions, it will be paid by your policy and not thiers. This means that we don’t have to pay the normally high deductable. I generally carry a 10k deductable. I however can’t force somebody to carry this coverage. Check with your local attorney generals office for state regualtions.
PLEASE DO carry the coverage though. It’s only 15 dollars a month and might be less if you have car insurance, normally the multi-policy discount makes your premium appear as there was no increase.
Might be legal in CA. It wouldn’t be in PA. Fire and earthquake insurance is the responsibility of the property owner. No way they can make a tenant pay for that. You are also not responsible for insuring the corporation. Renters insurance is a good idea because it covers your personal lost in the event of a fire, earthquake, theft and even dog bites if someone where to try and sue you.
Ignoring the legality of it, if it is in your lease you should probably abide by it and if it is not stated in your lease then you are under no obligation. The new landlord cannot alter an existing lease until the lease period ends and then they can provide you with a different lease. If I were you I would just move out. If you’ve lived in 15 different apartments, it sounds like you are used to moving.
Check you lease agreement to see if that is requirement as part of the lease. If not in the lease agreement and landlord wants it, negotiate a lower rent as consideration to take on new cost.
The only way you will ever know for sure is to check the rent guidlines board in you muncipality, in your case Marina del Rey. If they are not online call the city hall or town hall. Don’t take anyones advice but theirs. I have to say that it sounds a bit outrageous, but you never know. If it is not required, anything that the landlord writes in your lease about it may be null & void. Don’t take the word of us amateurs, it is too important an issue.
No