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Landlord Insurance Ontario

Protect your property investments with the proper Landlord Insurance. Ontario brokers at Morison Insurance will be happy to find you the right policy coverage for your income properties.
  • Buildings, detached garages, and shed coverage options are available for your landlord insurance in Ontario.
  • Get coverage for equipment used for maintenance of dwelling and major appliances.
  • Be protected with rental income coverage in the event of damage caused by insured peril.
Complete the form or call 1-800-463-8074 to speak with a licensed broker about Landlord Insurance today.

Protect Your Rental Property With the Right Insurance for Landlords

Do you rent out a residential property such as a house, condo unit, vacation cottage or apartment building? Whether you have long-term renters or lease your summer home, it's essential to have landlord insurance. Ontario home and property owners who rent out their property need a comprehensive landlord policy to help protect their property from a range of insured perils that aren't covered in a traditional homeowners policy. When you reach out to Morison Insurance about getting coverage for landlord insurance, Ontario’s top insurance brokers will find you a policy that meets all your insurance needs. 

Essentially, with the right landlord insurance, Ontario policies provide rental dwelling protection for property owners who rent their premises to others. As a landlord, you want to protect your rental property with the right landlord insurance. Ontario insurance professionals recommend this coverage because not only will this help protect you financially in the event of an emergency caused by an insured peril, such as a fire or certain water damage, but it will also help alleviate the costs and expenses of covered liability suits. Contact our team today to get a landlord insurance quote. 

What Is Landlord Insurance?

Ontario landlord insurance is a type of insurance policy that financially protects your rental property in the event of an insured loss or damage. These insured perils are usually listed in your insurance policy. It's important to note that, under a policy for landlord insurance in Canada, the building and property can be covered by landlord insurance. Ontario insurance coverage includes certain personal belongings that the property owner may have on the premises, like major appliances and detached structures. Rental income and liability coverage are also protected through a landlord insurance policy. Ontario residents should take care to read through their policies to understand what is or isn’t covered under their insurance for landlords. 

If you have some coverage but aren't sure exactly what is and is not covered by your landlord insurance, Ontario brokers at Morison Insurance are your best resource to get the information you need, along with the right landlord insurance coverage. It's important for individuals who lease properties to be aware of what protection is available to them in the event of an emergency. Losing your rental property can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. So it is important to protect yourself and your investment with the right insurance policy. 

Who Needs Landlord Insurance In Ontario?

If you own a property and plan to rent it to tenants, you should purchase landlord insurance in Ontario to protect your assets and your financial stability. Sometimes, homeowners think that landlord insurance in Ontario is only for individuals who lease properties professionally—such as property managers who run apartment complexes. But this is not the case.  

Even if you lease out a portion of your home, such as the bottom floor, as a secondary suite, you need to ensure you're adequately covered by insurance for landlords. Usually, when applying for property insurance, a common question you’ll be asked is if there are any boarders or rooms rented out and how many. It is important to let your insurance broker know your living situation or if your dwelling’s occupancy has changed. Anytime you collect rent from a tenant or boarder, your insurance needs will differ from a typical homeowners policy. This makes it crucial that you get the protection that comes with landlord insurance. 

Ontario rental property insurance policies can be tailored to your unique needs as the owner of a rental property. Without it, you may find yourself in serious financial trouble if you're forced to rebuild a damaged property or replace it entirely. Don't let expenses come out of your own pocket for losses such as liability, property damage, or damage to your belongings. Protect yourself with the right insurance for landlords. 

Why Should I Get Landlord Insurance in Ontario?

You should get landlord insurance in Ontario to protect yourself from losses and claims that can arise while renting out your property. These can range from accidents out of your control to liability claims that can wind up dragging you to court. There are many types of coverage—including liability insurance—available in a landlord insurance policy offering various levels of protection to suit your needs. 

If you, as a landlord, were to suffer a significant loss, you could face financial ruin if you had to repair or rebuild and pay the expenses from your own pocket. This makes having the proper landlord insurance in Ontario essential to protect your investment and avoid substantial financial harm in case of an insured peril or loss. 

What many property owners don't realize is that it is possible to lose your property entirely to an insured peril, such as a fire and still be forced to pay the mortgage. Even though you no longer have a physical structure, you would still be required to keep up with your regular payments. Also, you would be responsible for rebuilding that structure on your own. As you may be faced with a loss of income from your tenant and could be exposed to liability lawsuits, this can make meeting mortgage payments nearly impossible without the financial protection of landlord insurance. Ontario property owners, having the right insurance for landlords is the simple way to avoid opening yourself up to financial ruin. Talk to our licensed and qualified insurance brokers about landlord insurance in Ontario today. 

Am I Legally Required to Have Landlord Insurance?

Ontario doesn’t require anyone to have insurance for landlords by law, but it is a wise decision to purchase this insurance protection. A house or other types of properties are often major investments, and if you are not insured and suffer a loss, there may be considerable damages that you would be required to pay yourself. These expenses can add up quickly and may potentially far exceed your initial investment. But with the right insurance coverage, you are protected against loss, damage, or claims of liability. 

Going without landlord insurance is also not financially feasible for many people. If the property you own has a mortgage, it is very common for financial institutions to require proof of insurance on the property when you purchase it and expect the insurance to be maintained. Since the lender has a financial interest in your property, it wants to make sure the property is properly insured. If the buyer cannot provide proof of insurance, the mortgage will likely be declined. 

Even if you had to purchase landlord insurance in Ontario upon buying the property, you may want to have a closer look at the policy's details. There are different add-ons and extra coverages available to property owners that offer more protection than a standard policy. It's up to the individual to ensure he or she knows what is outlined in their insurance policy. That way, you are always prepared for the worst-case scenario. An insurance broker at Morison Insurance will be more than happy to walk you through what your policy does and does not include and help you find the best coverage for your needs. 

Does A Home Insurance Policy Protect Your Rental Property?

Your standard home insurance policy does not cover your rental property unless the location is listed and the exact type of rental occupancy is described. 

All damages and losses, including liability claims associated with a rental property, would be denied without the appropriate coverage. This is because renting a property, whether it be a separate residence or a portion of your primary residence, increases the exposure of risk. Basically, by having tenants you open yourself up to more risk than what is covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. This could include the risk of an incidental or unintentional fire started by your tenant's curling iron left on overnight or the tenant causing damage to your property, not to mention liability claims that can result from bodily injury or property damage as a result of an incident on the property in question. For instance, if you're not diligent about a snow and salt program with logs maintained, and your tenant slips and falls, injuring themselves in the process, you could find yourself at the start of a very long legal battle. It's important to get the right home landlord insurance in Ontario to insure your investment properly and to protect yourself financially from any unexpected incidents or liability claims. 

How Does Insurance for Landlords Work? 

Essentially, landlord insurance in Ontario protects your rental investment and provides liability protection when you rent your property. While it's not legally mandatory to have landlord insurance, Ontario landlords need this essential protection in case of insured losses or damage. Should you find yourself needing to make a claim, you have the reassurance that you can contact your insurance broker to start the claims process. 

You will then have a claims professional to assist you. They will provide the resources and financial help needed to repair, replace, or rebuild part or all of your property or defend a lawsuit. If you have any questions about the claims process for your landlord insurance, Ontario brokers at Morison Insurance are just a call away. 

When Should I Get Landlord Insurance in Ontario? 

You should start the process of getting home or condo landlord insurance in Ontario when your purchase offer for a rental property is accepted by a seller so it can be ready to be put into effect on closing. Contact a Morison Insurance broker to learn more about the possible rental insurance coverage for landlords. 

Your landlord insurance in Ontario will need to be in place before the transfer of ownership. Typically, once an offer is accepted, you have weeks, if not months, before the title is transferred. Your insurance broker at Morison Insurance can properly assess your insurance needs and determine what the best coverage options will be for you. The broker will provide several rental property insurance quotes, and you can decide which insurance policy best meets your needs. If you acquire an investment property by succession or other means, you should reach out to your Morison insurance broker as soon as possible to ensure you are properly covered with insurance for landlords. 

Should you choose to use a second property, or part of the property you live in, as a rental property, then you need to acquire landlord insurance in Ontario before leasing the property. It's essential that your insurance policy is in place before taking on tenants. If you are renting the property and don't have the right insurance in place and an unfortunate event or loss happens, you won't be able to make a claim. It's also important to note that it can be more difficult to acquire insurance if you've been leasing your property without it. 

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover? 

Landlord insurance in Ontario can cover the physical damage to the dwelling and attached or detached structures, personal property such as major appliances, lawnmowers, and snow blowers included in the unit, liability coverage for lawsuits with respect to the property ownership to include compensatory damages and legal costs, and loss of rental income.  

We've broken down what is covered by insurance for landlords further below: 

  • Dwelling or personal property coverage: Landlord insurance in Ontario typically covers physical damage or loss to the property caused by certain acts of nature and/or a natural disaster such as wind, hail, or fire. The policy will also cover damage to appliances owned by the landlord. When applying for landlord insurance, Ontario policy seekers will find that it's important to let their Morison Insurance broker know that the appliances are owned by you and that you would like them protected in the policy. 
  • Vandalism and theft: While not all insurance policies offer coverage for vandalism and theft in a basic policy, it's important that you understand what is and is not covered by malicious intent. Burglars may take costly tools and equipment you need to maintain the property. Make sure to read your policy carefully to understand the circumstances where this coverage applies, or purchase additional coverage in your landlord insurance in Ontario. 
  • Other structures coverage: It's possible to protect other structures on the property through your landlord insurance. Ontario landlord policies can cover many additional structures, such as a fence, greenhouse, shed, or pool. 
  • Personal property: Any personal items that you use on the property for maintenance or other uses can be included under a landlord insurance property. Examples of this would be a lawnmower or leaf blower. 
  • Loss of rental income: If your property is damaged due to an insured peril, say a fire, and it's unfit for renters until repairs are completed, then your policy for landlord insurance in Ontario may reimburse you for any lost rental income that results from it. Keep in mind that you'll only be indemnified up to the policy limits, as the expectation is that you will fix the property so that it can be safely leased once more. With this specific coverage built into landlord insurance, Ontario property owners can expect that the loss of income would be covered for a reasonable amount of time while the building or unit is repaired. 
  • Liability insurance: This is one of the most integral parts of landlord insurance. Ontario brokers will always recommend having some type of liability coverage included in your insurance for landlords, homeowners, or property owners. Suppose someone, who does not belong to your household, is injured on the rental property. Perhaps they slip and fall, or trip on uneven paving. If you're found legally responsible, liability coverage will pay for the person's medical bills. It will also cover your legal fees if you're sued. 

Additional Coverages for Landlord Insurance Ontario May Be Interested In 

There are a number of additional coverages available to add to your standard policy for landlord insurance in Ontario. It's also important to note that policies vary per different insurance providers, so you'll want to check that the above coverage examples are included in your unique policy. If not, inquire about potential add-ons for your insurance policy. 

Some common add-ons that are highly beneficial in insurance for landlords include: 

  • Debris removal: Should a covered natural disaster occur, and you need to pay for debris removal, say after a hurricane, this add-on will cover the costs. 
  • Protect trees, shrubs, and plants: Landscaping can be a costly investment for property owners. If you have valuable trees, shrubs, and other features as part of your landscaping, then you should inquire about adding a landscaping insurance policy to your landlord insurance in Ontario. 
  • Collapse of property: Should the property collapse due to an incident like a fire, you may be covered under a traditional policy for landlord insurance in Ontario. However, should a collapse occur for another reason—such as an earthquake—you may need additional coverage to protect your investment. 
  • Water and flood damage: Many standard policies for landlord insurance in Ontario do not include coverage for different types of water damage and flooding. Inquire about add-ons to help protect your property with sewer backup insurance or overland flood insurance. 
  • Vacancy insurance: If your rental property is going to be vacant for more than 30 days, you need to notify your insurance broker immediately. There are options available in insurance for landlords to ensure the property still has some coverage in your absence or the absence of any tenants. However, if you don't notify your insurance broker, you will not be properly covered in the event of an accident or other damage. 
  • Legal expenses insurance: This is a relatively new type of coverage that is well worth considering as an addition to your landlord insurance. Ontario insurance brokers recommend legal expenses insurance because it gives access to legal services such as legal advice, document review and other services without the need to make an insurance claim. 

Not sure what type of add-ons or coverages you need in your policy for landlord insurance? Ontario brokers at Morison Insurance will be happy to discuss different rental property or landlord home insurance coverages and options with you. 

What Does Landlord Insurance in Ontario Not Cover? 

As comprehensive as your landlord insurance in Ontario can be, it's also important to understand its limitations as well.  

Some of the common policy exclusions for landlord insurance in Ontario include:   

  • Any personal belongings of the tenant: Landlord insurance in Ontario is not renters insurance. While you need to protect yourself and your interests, it's important that you also require your tenants to have their own renter or tenant insurance policy. This will protect their personal property from a list of insured perils, such as a fire or theft. 
  • Wear and tear or maintenance of the building: Typical wear and tear is not covered by landlord insurance. Ontario property policies will not cover this type of damage because wear and tear naturally occurs over time, and it's assumed that you, as the property owner, are doing all that you can to maintain the building properly. 
  • Damage or injury caused in part of business or farm use: Unless otherwise specified in your insurance policy, loss caused by commercial uses, such as a business operating out of your home or farm use (if you lease part of your farmyard to tenants) are not covered under your policy for landlord insurance in Ontario. Instead, inquire about what options you have to make sure you and your property are protected due to claims arising from commercial use. 
  • Any property illegally acquired (kept or stored): Under no circumstances will illegal property found on or stored at your rental unit be covered under any insurance policy, including insurance for landlords. 
  • Any loss occurring after the dwelling has been vacant for more than 30 consecutive days: As mentioned above, it's integral to notify your licensed insurance agent or broker if your rental property is going to be vacant for more than 30 days. Otherwise, coverage on your policy will be null and void, and you will not be covered for any damage that may occur in your absence or the absence of any tenants. 
  • Intentional vandalism or damage by tenants: Intentional damage is not covered by most landlord insurance policies. Ontario home or property policies assume that you will do your utmost to care for the building and property, so while accidental damage is covered, most of the times intentional damage will not be covered. That's why it's essential to vet your tenants as much as possible before signing a lease. Usually, in the rental lease, there will be a clause outlining that damage needs to be repaired, or the costs will come out of a damage deposit provided by the tenants. To determine if this coverage is available as an add-on, speak to a Morison Insurance broker to review your options.  
  • Any damage caused by an animal owned by the tenant: Animals are prone to causing damage, and unfortunately any damage pets cause will not be covered in your landlord insurance policy. For this reason, many lease agreements often require a pet deposit or charge an extra fee for pets. 

Each insurance company offers slightly different coverages, and additional insurance coverages are available. This means insurance companies can provide landlord policies uniquely tailored to you. Note that along with these policies, there are unique mandatory exclusions. A broker can review all the coverage exclusions and limitations with you to determine if you want additional coverage added to your policy for landlord insurance. 

Ontario brokers at Morison Insurance will get you a landlord insurance quote that is tailored to your specific rental unit insurance needs and will discuss optional coverage options with you to ensure you and your residential properties are properly protected. Call us today or get a quote for landlord insurance online. 

What Type Of Landlord Insurance Do I Need? 

Since rental properties come in many forms, like detached dwellings, townhouses, condominiums, student housing, or a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, using the services of an insurance broker is the best option to select the appropriate insurance for landlords for your specific needs and circumstances. An insurance broker will give you options to ensure you and your rental property are properly protected with the right landlord insurance. 

Ontario landlord policies including coverage for buildings such as: 

Landlord Insurance and Rental Property Insurance For Detached Dwellings and Houses

If you own a property, the details of the construction of the dwelling and any other detached structures on the property must be considered when determining the amount of insurance required by landlords. If you update the rental property at any time, then it's important to let your Morison Insurance broker know. Renovations could result in increasing the property's value. In turn, this may impact how much insurance you need to repair or replace the building should an accident happen. 

Condo Landlord Insurance

Ontario cities, especially in the GTA, have plenty of condo units available for housing. If you are renting out a condominium that you own, it is essential to first determine what portion of the structure you own and are responsible for insuring. This can be determined by the "standard unit" definition, which is commonly provided to you by your condominium corporation board. It is very important to know that any improvements made to the unit are always the unit owner's responsibility to insure. Any updates to the condominium will alter its value. In turn, this may impact what coverage you need. A policy for condo landlord insurance in Ontario will include specific coverages unique to a condominium, such as improvements and betterments, in addition to loss assessment coverage. 

Rental Property Insurance For Vacant Properties

If you purchase a property that you plan to rent, but it is not occupied, or you are in between tenants and want to make improvements before renting it, your property is considered vacant. There is an increased risk exposure when a building is vacant, as there is no one living at the residence to monitor it regularly. As such, some coverages are automatically removed during vacancy. 

In the interim, if the insurance company agrees, a vacancy permit will be applied to the policy, and further questions will need to be answered for the insurance provider to offer coverage. The company will request that a “vacancy questionnaire” be completed, which provides information the insurer needs to assess the situation including what precautionary measures are in place while the premises are vacant. Once you find suitable tenants and they move into the unit, the vacancy permit can be lifted, and all eligible coverages can be reinstated under your landlord insurance in Ontario. 

How Much Does Landlord Insurance Cost? 

The cost of landlord coverage depends on many factors. To determine the annual premium or your insurance policy, the insurance company takes into consideration multiple factors, such as: 

  • Geographic location of the rental property, including fire protection, proximity to water, and the surrounding buildings. 
  • The size, condition, and age of the dwelling. Any improvements to the dwelling will also be reflected in the insurance costs. 
  • The number of rental units you have. Talk to your broker about how the number of units you lease impacts your insurance costs. 
  • The heat source within each unit. It's important to note that rental units, such as a cottage, which include a wood-burning stove or fireplace will be much more costly to insure because these heat sources are vastly more hazardous than a traditional HVAC unit. 
  • The type of coverage that is requested by the owner. Keep in mind that add-ons provide further protection, and this may be reflected in the overall cost of your insurance policy. 
  • If the tenants are students, student residences often come with additional risks, so it’s important to let your Morison Insurance broker know if your tenants or expected tenants are students. 
  • Is the property in compliance with all local bylaws and fire codes? If not, the insurance companies available to your broker, as well as the coverage options, may be further restricted. 
  • And much more 

Because of the wide variety of factors involved with calculating the cost of landlord insurance, Ontario brokers can’t provide you with a quote or cost estimate until we know more about your situation. Make sure to be as clear and detailed as possible when speaking with your Morison Insurance broker about your needs for landlord insurance in Ontario. Contact our team today for an accurate landlord insurance quote.  

How Much Tenant Insurance Should A Landlord Require? 

As a landlord, you want to protect your rental property investment. That’s why you have landlord insurance. Ontario landlords though can also stipulate in their renter's agreement that tenant insurance is required by the tenant in order to rent the property. 

A tenant insurance policy will not only protect the renter's personal property and belongings, but it will also provide personal liability coverage for the tenant. This could potentially alleviate additional liability exposure for you as the landlord if bodily injury or property damage were to occur. The average tenant policy requires a minimum limit of $1 million in liability. The contents limit, which insures the individual's belongings, can be more flexible concerning the amount of coverage required by the tenant. 

Who Needs Renters Insurance? 

Any person who occupies a residence they do not own should obtain some type of renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance provides personal liability coverage as well as coverage for the renter’s personal belongings. The cost of this coverage can be minimal, depending on the coverage limits requested and the applicant’s details. 

It's important to remember that who you choose to rent to and how you operate your rental can have an impact on your risk exposures. For example, if you rent to students or boarders, your landlord coverage needs may vary so it's crucial to ensure that you give your insurance broker all the applicable information in order to find the correct landlord insurance in Ontario for your unique needs. As a landlord, it is a good idea to require your tenants to carry insurance. Renter’s insurance is also called tenant's insurance.   

Where Can I Landlord Insurance In Ontario? 

You can get a landlord insurance quote by calling the top-rated brokers at Morison Insurance. The moment you contact an insurance broker about getting insurance for landlords, your options and the variety of insurance coverages available to you are multiplied—compared to when you are searching for landlord insurance in Ontario on your own. With Morison Insurance by your side, you have choices. You can choose from several insurance options from the top insurance companies in Canada.  

If you're ready to inquire about landlord insurance in Ontario today, reach out to our licensed brokers at 1-800-463-8074 or fill out the form on this page. We look forward to helping you find the best coverage for your needs. 

 

This content is written by our Morison Insurance team. It is provided for general information only. Insurance needs differ from person to person, and this article is therefore not a substitute for professional advice about your individual insurance needs which can be obtained by speaking to one of our brokers.
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