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Can a landlord require renters insurance in California?
I’m a little confused. I submitted an application for an apartment in Santa Monica but apparently, I’m not eligible unless I have renters insurance. Can a landlord require renters insurance in California?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! Yes, landlords can require that tenants carry renters insurance.
Moving can be stressful, and even more so when the landlord surprises you with something like this. But this requirement doesn’t mean you’re moving into a bad building—in fact, quite the opposite!
While California does not have a law requiring renters to carry insurance, landlords are well within their rights to demand that tenants purchase a policy as a condition of the lease. This strategy helps spread out the financial risk in the event of a disaster.
A landlord can require you to carry a certain threshold of
liability insurance
, so be sure to ask before buying a policy. You should not need proof to submit an application. You usually need to provide proof of insurance upon signing the lease.
If you fall in love with an apartment that requires insurance, go for it! The average monthly cost of renters insurance in California is $16, so it shouldn’t break the budget. Plus, you get valuable protection for your stuff.
If you need
renters insurance
, use the Jerry
app to quickly compare rates and sign up for an affordable policy. We can help you navigate the process or answer questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out!Hope you find a great apartment—and say hi to the beach for us!
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- Gregory R.
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