300 Main Tenant Insurance Portal

LIABILITY
Damage unintentionally caused by a tenant to the building, other units, or other tenants personal property will only be covered if you buy a Tenant Insurance policy. Without insurance coverage, you may have to pay out of pocket for these damages.

CONTENTS
The insurance that your landlord or property management company has on the building does not insure your belongings, regardless of how damage occurs. A fire, burst pipe or sewer back-up in your building can cause damage to your personal property. A fire in your building could affect you, even if it occurs down the hall or on another floor. Smoke and water from firefighting can cause significant damage to your personal property. A Tenant Insurance policy will provide money to replace or have your belongings professionally cleaned.

ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSES
Your landlord is not responsible to pay for temporary accommodations if there is a fire or major water damage and you have to move out of your rental unit. A Tenant Insurance policy includes coverage for your additional living expenses to pay for a hotel or new rental place until you can move back into your damaged unit.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
> If you are moving, your comprehensive tenant policy can be transferred to your new location, and will cover your belongings for accidental breakage that may occur during the move.

> Buying a tenant package helps build insurance history, which may help reduce the premium for home insurance when you are ready to buy a house.

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES BRANCH
Generally, a landlord can’t insist that a tenant carry liability insurance as a condition of tenancy. The Branch recommends that tenants consider buying a tenant’s insurance package for their own protection. In certain circumstances, it may be reasonable for a landlord to require a tenant to carry liability insurance (e.g. if a tenant has a large aquarium or a portable washer).

RTB Information Sheet: Tenant Insurance - Protect your belongings