Renters' insurance is an insurance policy which provides most of the benefits of homeowners' insurance. Renters' insurance does not include coverage for the dwelling, or structure, with the exception of small alterations that a tenant makes to the structure. This provides liability insurance. The tenant's personal property is covered against named perils such as fire, theft and vandalism. The owner of the building is responsible for insuring it, but bears no responsibility for the tenant's belongings.
General requirements
Many large and medium-sized rental properties include a requirement in their lease that tenants hold renters' insurance. If the tenant damages the premises, the landlord and other tenants can recover against the perpetrator's insurance. Renters' insurance also informs the tenant that the landlord is not responsible for their belongings and that the tenant has coverage for them. But it is important to know what type of damage your insurance covers. Basically, there are three types of coverage available: loss of use, personal property, and personal liability.
Tracking renters' insurance
Multiple companies track renters' insurance in apartment complexes, by requiring the tenant to purchase insurance and maintaining a database of expiration dates, cancellations and similar information for the property owner/manager to use to ensure coverage for all units.
