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General Information

  • Updated

What you'll learn in this article:

What does Rental Protection cover?

Rental Protection is a lease insurance program that offers landlords up to $5,000 of coverage for certain types of losses arising out of renter default, and physical damage to units caused by renters. Renter default includes unpaid rent. Physical damage includes damage to the unit caused by the renter, or a guest, and excess cleaning and trash removal above normal wear and tear and turn costs. Both “renter default” and “physical damage” are further defined in the policy.  See more detail in the coverage summary 

Coverage for any claim will depend on the specific obligations, conditions and exclusions in the policy.  Please read your policy carefully. If you have questions, contact Customer Support to speak with a licensed agent.

 

Do I need to complete a move-in/move-out checklist?

Yes, you must inspect the rental unit and provide the renter with written documentation of the move-in condition before, at the time of, or shortly after the renter takes possession.  

Also, within 14 calendar days after regaining possession of the unit, or within 14 days after the policy period ends or is canceled if the renter still occupies the unit, you’ll need to inspect the unit and provide the renter with written documentation of the condition of the unit, including a description of any physical damage caused by the renter or any guest(s) consistent with the lease requirements and local law. 

You don’t need to provide this documentation to Zillow Insurance Services, but you will need to send it to LeaseLock with any physical damage claim you file. Failure to provide written move-in and move-out documentation that documents physical damage may result in the denial of a claim.

 

Does Rental Protection take the place of property insurance?

No. Rental Protection is separate from property insurance. It covers unpaid rent, which most property insurance doesn’t cover, and certain physical damage caused by a renter, all subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Rental Protection doesn’t cover physical damage that property insurance covers, like fire and water damage. Rental Protection does not include any coverage for a landlord’s liability.

 

How is Rental Protection different from homeowners or renters insurance?

To summarize the different types of insurance:

  1. Rental Protection is lease insurance that covers unpaid rent, damages to the property in excess of normal wear and tear, and eviction costs
  2. Homeowners insurance typically helps cover the house and its contents, as well as other structures on the property like fences, from damages like smoke, fire, or other covered perils. To purchase homeowners insurance, you must live in the property
  3. Landlord insurance, also known as dwelling insurance, is specifically for cases where you rent out your entire home to tenants. It is similar to homeowners insurance, except that contents are not covered because the owner is not residing in the property. It may also cover property that is rented to the occupants – for example, furniture in a furnished rental or equipment such as a lawnmower that’s used to service the rental
  4. Renters insurance protects your tenant’s property, and provides them with some liability protection.

The chart below directly compares Rental Protection to landlord insurance:

For more details on the differences between these insurance types or to understand your homeowners or landlord policies, please speak with your insurance agent.

 

 

General Disclaimer
Coverage is subject to policy terms, limitations, conditions, and exclusions. Descriptions of coverage are for informational purposes only and do not alter any insurance policy or guarantee any specific price, quote or coverage. For a complete understanding of the coverage available, please review the terms, conditions, definitions, and exclusions of your Rental Protection insurance policy.

 

 

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