Rental Property Insurance
Protect Your Investment, Income, and Tenants with the Right Landlord Coverage
Rental Property Insurance in Ontario
What Is Rental Property Insurance?
Rental property insurance—also known as landlord insurance—is a policy designed to protect property owners who rent out homes, condos, apartments, or commercial units to tenants.
Unlike standard homeowners insurance, rental property insurance accounts for the unique risks of being a landlord, including property damage, tenant-caused losses, loss of rental income, and liability claims.
Whether you own a single condo or a growing portfolio of investment properties, the right coverage helps ensure your real estate assets remain protected—and profitable.
Who Needs Rental Property Insurance?
If you own property in Canada that is rented to others, you need rental property insurance. This includes:
Residential landlords (single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes)
Condo unit owners renting to tenants
Owners of apartment buildings or multi-unit properties
Investors with Airbnb or short-term rentals
Commercial property owners leasing office or retail space
Anyone renting a secondary or seasonal property
Even if you only rent out your home occasionally, your homeowner’s policy won’t cover rental risks. Without proper coverage, a single claim could jeopardize your asset and your income stream.
What Does Rental Property Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive rental property insurance policy protects you from physical damage, legal liability, and lost rental income.
1. Property Coverage (Dwelling & Detached Structures)
Covers the physical building(s) you own, including the home, garage, shed, fences, and permanent fixtures. Protects against risks like:
Fire and smoke damage
Wind or hail damage
Vandalism
Theft (of landlord-owned property)
Water damage (covered perils)
2. Landlord Liability Insurance
Covers you if a tenant, guest, or service provider is injured on your property and holds you liable.
Example: A tenant’s visitor trips on uneven stairs and sues. Your policy covers medical expenses, legal defense, and potential settlement.
3. Loss of Rental Income
If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, this coverage replaces the rent you would have collected.
Example: A fire displaces your tenants for three months. Your insurance pays out the lost rent so your income doesn’t take a hit.
4. Contents Coverage (Landlord’s Belongings Only)
Covers appliances, furniture, and other contents you own and supply with the unit. Tenant possessions are not covered under this policy.
5. Vandalism & Malicious Acts
Some policies include or allow add-ons to cover intentional damage caused by tenants or intruders.
6. Legal Expense Coverage (Optional)
Helps cover legal fees related to evictions, lease disputes, or tenant-related legal actions.
Optional Add-Ons to Consider
Flood insurance (often excluded by default)
Earthquake coverage
Extended water damage or sewer backup
Tenant default insurance (missed rent protection in select policies)
Short-term rental endorsement (Airbnb or vacation properties)
We’ll help you decide which ones matter based on your property type, location, and tenant setup.
Rental Property Insurance vs. Home Insurance
| Feature | Home Insurance | Rental Property Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Owner-occupied | ✔ | ✘ |
| Covers tenant-caused damage | ✘ | ✔ |
| Covers rental income loss | ✘ | ✔ |
| Tenant liability protection | ✘ | ✔ |
| Commercial coverage options | ✘ | ✔ |
Trying to use a home insurance policy for a rental property is a common mistake—and it could leave you uncovered when you need it most.
Is Rental Property Insurance Required in Ontario?
Rental property insurance is not legally required, but it is:
Often mandated by mortgage lenders
Required for short-term rental platforms like Airbnb
A prerequisite for property management firms or landlord associations
Strongly recommended to protect your investment and avoid catastrophic loss
Many landlords also require tenants to carry renters insurance as a lease condition to help cover personal liability and contents.
How Much Does Rental Property Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary based on:
Property value and type (house, condo, multi-unit, commercial)
Location and local risk factors (crime, flood zones, etc.)
Whether it’s short-term or long-term rental
Age and condition of the building
Fire and security systems
Your insurance history and claims record
Why Choose SIG.ca for Rental Property Insurance?
We understand landlord and investor risks
Specialized in both residential and commercial rental properties
Access to leading Canadian insurers
Customized coverage based on property type, tenant use, and risk exposure
Fast quotes, expert advice, and ongoing support
Whether you own one condo or a growing real estate portfolio, we’ll help you protect it with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tenants need to purchase their own renters insurance to cover their personal possessions and liability.
Yes. Standard landlord policies may not cover Airbnb or vacation rentals unless a short-term rental endorsement is added.
Yes, in many cases. We can help structure a master policy or a bundled portfolio approach for real estate investors.
Some policies include coverage for vandalism or tenant damage, but not all. We’ll help you select the right policy to address this risk.
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