Landlord Insurance in Connecticut
Insurance for landlords and rental property owners in Hartford County
A lot of Connecticut landlords are not “investors.” They kept the first condo when they bought a house. They inherited a two-family in New Britain. They bought a three-family in Bristol because the rent covers the mortgage. And a surprising number of them are still insuring the property on a homeowners policy, which is a problem, because homeowners policies generally exclude or limit coverage once the owner moves out and a tenant moves in.
The Beam Agency writes landlord and rental property insurance for owners across Farmington, New Britain, Bristol, Plainville, West Hartford, Hartford and Newington, from a single unit to a small portfolio.
What a landlord policy covers
Dwelling
The building itself, at replacement cost, plus attached structures. On a two- or three-family the number should reflect what it costs to rebuild that specific building, and older multi-family housing stock in central Connecticut often costs more to rebuild than it would sell for.
Landlord’s property
Appliances, fixtures and anything you own inside the unit. Tenant belongings are not covered; that is what renters insurance is for, and requiring it in the lease is a good practice.
Liability
If a tenant or guest is injured on the property, or a tenant’s fire spreads to the neighbor, liability responds. Standard limits are $300,000 to $500,000; most landlords should carry $1 million or add an umbrella, especially with more than one property.
Loss of rents
If a covered loss makes the unit uninhabitable, this replaces the rental income while it is repaired. Often the coverage landlords are most glad they had.
Optional but often worth it
Water backup, ordinance or law coverage for older buildings that will have to be brought to code after a loss, equipment breakdown for boilers and HVAC, and vandalism coverage during vacancy.
Situations we see most
- The accidental landlord. You moved out, rented your old condo in Farmington or Avon, and the homeowners policy is still in place. It needs to be rewritten as a rented unit, usually an HO-6 with a rented-to-others endorsement or a carrier’s condo landlord form, and the condo association’s master policy affects what you need.
- The two- or three-family. New Britain, Bristol and Hartford are full of them. Owner-occupied versus fully rented changes the form and the price. Tell us which units you live in.
- The short-term rental. A lake house or an in-law apartment listed on a rental platform. Platform “host protection” is not a substitute for a policy that knows the property is rented.
- The small portfolio. Four or five buildings on five different policies with five renewal dates. Consolidating onto a commercial package often saves money and a lot of paperwork.
Connecticut specifics for landlords
- Connecticut has detailed security deposit, notice and eviction rules that insurance does not touch, but a lease that requires renters insurance and names you as an interested party does reduce your claims.
- Lead paint in pre-1978 housing, common across central Connecticut, is a liability exposure that some carriers exclude. Ask us how your policy treats it.
- Winter matters: frozen pipes in a vacant unit are one of the most common landlord claims in the state, and most policies require heat to be maintained or pipes drained during vacancy.
Landlord questions
Can I keep my homeowners policy if I rent out my house?
Usually not. Most homeowners policies limit or exclude coverage once the property is rented to others. You need a dwelling fire or landlord policy. Tell your agent when a tenant moves in; do not wait for renewal.
Should I require tenants to carry renters insurance?
Yes. It covers their belongings and their liability, which keeps small claims off your policy, and it costs them very little. Put it in the lease.
How much does landlord insurance cost in Connecticut?
It depends on the building’s value, age, construction, location and whether you occupy a unit. As a rough guide, a landlord policy typically costs somewhat more than a homeowners policy on the same building because of the added liability and loss of rents coverage. We will quote it against your current policy so you can see the difference.
Does landlord insurance cover tenant damage?
It covers sudden damage from covered causes like fire or a burst pipe. It generally does not cover wear and tear, neglect, or intentional damage by a tenant, which is what the security deposit is for.
Independent agent, direct line
Talk to Brandon directly
One agent, multiple carriers, and a policy read line by line before you sign it.