Updated November 4, 2026
Your policy was written for how you use the house
Insurance policies describe how the property is used. A standard homeowners policy is designed for a home the owner lives in. When a tenant moves in, the use changes, and that can affect coverage.
We cannot tell you what your policy says. Read it, and call your agent before a tenant moves in. Ask plainly: "I am going to rent this house. What do I need to change?"
Common policy types for rentals
Landlords often hear these terms. Ask your agent to explain how each applies:
- Landlord or dwelling fire policy. A policy written for a rental dwelling, often called a DP form. Coverage varies by form and insurer.
- Liability coverage. Protection if someone is hurt on the property. Ask whether it is included or added separately.
- Loss of rents. Some policies may pay when a covered loss makes the home unlivable. Ask whether yours does.
- Flood insurance. Standard property policies generally do not cover flood. Pinellas has many low-lying and coastal areas. Ask about flood coverage for the home.
Features and limits differ. Get quotes from more than one source.
Ask your agent to put any answers about coverage in writing, so you have a record of what you were told and when.
Wind and coastal exposure
Pinellas is a peninsula with a long Gulf coastline. Many homes have wind or flood exposure, and insurers often have separate deductibles or terms for named storms. Ask your agent how hurricane deductibles work for a rental and whether your coverage differs once a tenant is in the home.
What your tenant needs to carry
Your policy covers your building, not your tenant's belongings. Many landlords require tenants to carry renters insurance and name it in the lease. Check with an attorney or your property manager on how to word that requirement.
Questions to ask your agent
- Does my current policy still apply if I rent the home?
- Do I need a different policy, and from when?
- What liability limits are available?
- Is loss of rental income covered?
- How do hurricane and flood coverage work with a tenant in the home?
- Does the policy have conditions if the home is vacant between tenants?
If you hire a property manager, ask what insurance they carry and what they require you to carry. TheBayPros' free matching form can connect you with local property managers who can walk you through this.
Before a tenant moves in
Walk the property and fix known problems first. A rental that is safe and in good repair is easier to insure, easier to rent and less likely to lead to disputes. Keep a dated record of the condition, with photos.
If the home was built before 1978, federal rules require you to disclose known lead-based paint information, share available reports, and give the tenant an EPA pamphlet before the lease is signed. The EPA lists some exemptions, so check its page.
Review every year
Rentals change. Rents, rebuild costs, who lives there and whether you hired a manager can all affect the right coverage. Set a reminder to call your agent once a year and ask whether your policy still fits.
Do not skip the tenant side
Insurance is one part of managing risk. Clear lease terms, working smoke alarms, prompt repairs and good records all lower the chance of a loss turning into a dispute. A property manager can help with these routine tasks, so it is worth asking what they do and what they leave to you.
Landlord policies and your mortgage
If you have a mortgage, your lender likely requires certain insurance on the property. Tell your lender when the home becomes a rental, and ask whether they need to see a new policy. Your lender, your insurance agent and your property manager can each tell you what they need, and it is easier to ask all three before a tenant moves in than after.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my insurance company I am renting?
Policies differ, so ask your agent before the tenant moves in. Not telling the insurer could create problems at claim time.
Does my insurance cover my tenant's belongings?
Generally not. A landlord's policy is for the building. Tenants typically need their own renters policy.
Does insurance cover flood?
Standard property policies generally do not. Ask your agent about flood coverage, especially in coastal Pinellas.
Does vacancy matter?
Some policies have vacancy conditions. Ask your agent about gaps between tenants.