Should You Add Your Landlord to Your Renters Insurance?

When it comes to renters insurance, most tenants focus on protecting their belongings and personal liability—but there’s another important detail many overlook: whether to add their landlord to their policy.

The short answer? Yes, but only as an “interested party,” not as a co-insured. The distinction matters—legally and financially.

What Landlords Want—and Why It Matters

Many landlords now require tenants to carry renters insurance. Not only does this reduce liability disputes, but it also ensures tenants are financially protected in the event of fire, water damage, or injury to guests. But here’s the key: landlords often want visibility, not coverage.

That’s where the interested party designation comes in. By listing your landlord as an interested party (sometimes called an “additional interest”), they receive notifications if your policy lapses, is canceled, or renewed. Crucially, this doesn’t give them coverage under your policy—it just keeps them informed.

What You Should Not Do

Some renters mistakenly add their landlord as a named insured or additional insured, believing it fulfills lease obligations. But doing so could expose you to risks. These designations can extend coverage to the landlord, potentially complicating claims and even voiding parts of your policy. Remember: your renters insurance is designed to protect you, not the building.

Three Smart Steps to Take

1. Review your lease agreement. If renters insurance is required, see if your landlord specifies how they want to be listed.

2. Contact your insurance provider. Most major insurers allow you to add an interested party in minutes—often via their website or mobile app.

3. Send proof of insurance. Provide your landlord with the declarations page or a certificate showing they’ve been added.

Bottom Line

Renters insurance is a low-cost way to protect yourself, but it also offers peace of mind to your landlord—when handled properly. Adding them as an interested party keeps everyone aligned without compromising your coverage.

When in doubt, read the fine print, and treat your renters policy with the same care you would any other financial document. It’s not just a box to check—it’s a smart safeguard.