What Is a Landlord Insurance Policy and Do You Need It?

Make Sure You Protect Your Investment with the Right Kind of Insurance

Understanding Landlord Insurance: Coverage and Considerations

Landlord insurance encompasses various types of coverage, with property insurance being the most commonly discussed among real estate investors. In exchange for your regular premium payments, your insurance provider steps in to cover a range of expenses when specific incidents covered by your policy occur. This system closely resembles the way standard homeowner's insurance functions, shielding against diverse types of damages. However, it's worth noting that landlord insurance doesn't extend its protection to furniture or personal belongings. Tenants are encouraged to secure their own renter's insurance to safeguard their possessions. So, what exactly does landlord insurance cover? Let's break it down:


Coverage under Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance covers four major categories:

  • Buildings and Dwellings: Rental property insurance shields the physical structure of the building, including any fixtures and permanent structures. It may also extend to additional structures like sheds or detached garages.
  • Personal Property: This facet of landlord insurance protects the landlord's personal property within the rental unit, including items such as furniture and appliances. The personal property provision of a policy is especially important for properties that are being rented out as furnished or partially furnished.
  • Liability: Liability coverage provides protection against claims arising from injuries or damage to tenants, guests, or other individuals on the rental property. It can also encompass events like libel, slander, and even copyright infringement.
  • Loss of Use: Landlord insurance typically covers instances of loss of use. In essence, if your property becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to a covered event, your insurance policy compensates for lost rental income and other expenses associated with repairing the damage.


While landlord insurance goes a long way in safeguarding property owners, it's advisable to urge your tenants to obtain their renters insurance policy. At McKenna Property Managment, we require tenants to purchase renters' insurance that covers at least $100,000 of damage to the property. These policies cover their personal belongings, which aren't part of the landlord's coverage, and offer additional liability protection for you as the property owner. It's essential to note that similar to homeowner's insurance, landlord insurance doesn't include protection against flood damage. However, it often covers other forms of water damage, such as that caused by a leaking pipe.


Determining Your Landlord Insurance Needs

Knowing you need insurance for your property is one thing, but you don't want to be persuaded into purchasing excessive optional coverage. To determine your coverage needs, consider the following factors:

  • Property Value: Since the primary purpose of landlord insurance is to protect the building itself, ensure your coverage at least matches the property's value. This ensures you can rebuild or sell in case of a covered event destroying the building.
  • Value of Property Belongings: Calculate the cost of replacing appliances and major items like water heaters or furnaces. Adequate coverage eases the financial burden of replacing these items in case of tenant-caused damage or unexpected events.
  • Property Location: Is your property in an area prone to theft, vandalism, or natural disasters? Discuss this with your insurance provider to ensure adequate coverage against such events.
  • Number of Tenants: The more tenants you have, the higher the liability. Consider the potential for lawsuits if a tenant or their guest gets injured. Larger complexes with numerous tenants require more comprehensive liability coverage.
  • Budget: Determine how much you're willing to pay for insurance coverage. Lower annual premiums may result in less comprehensive coverage, while higher rates provide more advanced protection.

Landlord insurance is often more intricate than homeowner's or auto insurance, so consulting an agent is crucial to tailor your coverage to your specific needs, given the significant variability between properties and property owners.


Cost of Landlord Insurance

The cost of landlord insurance varies based on factors like property size, location, coverage type, and the chosen insurer. Generally, landlord insurance premiums are approximately 25% higher than those for traditional homeowner's policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Basic landlord policies, which are more affordable, typically cover the building, its contents, and liability insurance for injuries and potential property damage caused by tenants. For more extensive protection, you may need to increase your premiums substantially. However, comprehensive policies encompass coverage for lost rental income, tenant-caused damage, vandalism, and malicious damage. When selecting an insurance policy, carefully assess your specific requirements and compare quotes from multiple insurers to secure the best coverage at the most competitive price.


Landlord insurance is a vital safeguard for property owners, offering protection across various categories like building and personal property coverage, liability protection, and compensation for loss of use. While it provides robust defense, it's crucial to also promote renter's insurance among tenants to safeguard their possessions and minimize property owner liabilities.


September 8, 2025
When people think of food diversity in America, their minds usually go straight to New York City. But according to a recent study highlighted by the esteemed culinary school, Escoffier, the Big Apple doesn’t take the top spot. Instead, San Francisco claimed first place — praised for its bustling variety of cuisines and holding the title for the highest density of restaurants per capita among major U.S. cities. What’s even more exciting for us locals? Las Vegas earned the #9 spot on the list of the most diverse food cities in the country. Why Vegas Stands Out Las Vegas may be known worldwide for its neon lights and entertainment, but the dining scene is what keeps both tourists and residents hungry for more. From celebrity chef–driven restaurants on the Strip to hidden neighborhood gems serving authentic global flavors, Vegas has transformed into a true culinary destination. While seven of the top 10 cities named in the study were coastal (a trend Escoffier notes is tied to cultural diversity and a robust restaurant scene), Las Vegas proves that you don’t have to sit on the coast to experience world-class variety. Our city thrives on international influence — with dining options that range from Korean barbecue and Italian trattorias to Thai street food, upscale steakhouses, and plant-based fine dining. A Foodie Destination on the Rise Being ranked in the top 10 isn’t just a nod to the Strip’s luxury restaurants, but also to the everyday spots that locals love. With new eateries opening regularly, the Vegas dining scene continues to evolve and surprise. So, whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, Las Vegas offers something for every craving — proving once again that this city is more than just an entertainment capital. It’s a place where cultures, flavors, and creativity come together to make the dining experience as dynamic as the city itself.
September 3, 2025
In business, one truth always stands out: no one succeeds alone. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large organization, your success is built on the connections you make. And one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to strengthen those relationships is through gratitude. At McKenna Property Management, we’ve made gratitude a core part of our culture from the very beginning. Our owner and broker, Jenni McKenna, personally hand-delivers gifts to some of our VIP agents every single month . While it may sound like a small gesture, it makes a big difference. These thoughtful touches show our VIP Agents how much we value their trust in us, collaboration, and hard work. But it’s not just about the gifts. Gratitude comes in many forms—thank-you cards, handwritten notes, or even a quick phone call to say “we appreciate you.” What matters most is the consistency and authenticity behind the gesture. Over the years, these small acts of appreciation have helped us build trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships that go beyond a simple business transaction. By showing genuine appreciation, we’ve created strong bonds with clients and agents alike, and those connections have allowed McKenna Property Management to grow into what it is today. If you’re a business owner or professional, here’s our tip: make gratitude part of your business strategy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—even the simplest “thank you” can strengthen relationships and open the door to new opportunities. At the end of the day, business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. And people remember how you make them feel. 💙
August 19, 2025
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. As locals, we know how to balance the must-see attractions with spots that many visitors miss. This four-day itinerary blends the energy of the Strip with the character of the neighborhoods beyond it, giving you a true taste of what Vegas has to offer. Day 1 – The Main Event: Everything Happening on the Strip Morning: Start with brunch at Alexxa’s in Paris Las Vegas , where the drinks come in disco balls and the atmosphere is upscale, modern, and trendy. Every Saturday and Sunday, a live DJ keeps the vibe upbeat while you enjoy brunch from 7:00 AM to 2:45 PM . Afternoon: Stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens , an ever-changing floral masterpiece perfect for photos (and a break from the casino floor). Each season the gardens transform into a different showcase of sights, sounds, scents and colors. The conservatory team changes out the design, and replant and repurpose as much of the living plant material as possible. Evening: Dinner at Din Tai Fung inside ARIA. If you’ve never tried their famous dumplings, you’re in for a treat — and yes, the chocolate xiao long bao is as good as it sounds. Night: Dance the night away at Omnia Nightclub in Caesars Palace, or if clubbing isn’t your thing, see one of the incredible Cirque du Soleil shows on the Strip! Some of our team members recommended KÀ, or Mystère. Although Absinthe is not a Cirque du Soleil production, it is another great recommendation! This one is unapologetically raunchy and hilarious- and it is for ages 18+. More show recommendations can be found at the end of this blog! Day 2 – The Arts District Morning: Grab brunch at Makers & Finders , a lively Latin café with killer coffee and a creative menu. Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Arts District’s unique shops like Alt Rebel , Spilled Milk , and Antique Alley Mall . If shopping isn’t your scene, dive into something spooky different with Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum . And if you’re not into scary, check out the end of this blog for more exhibits/museums in Las Vegas! Evening: Dinner at Esther’s Kitchen , where fresh, handmade pasta and sourdough steal the show. Night: Head to Atomic Golf where you can explore four floors of immersive golf games, bars, food and private event spaces! Day 3 – Immersive Fun At Area 15 Morning: Start with breakfast at The Peppermill , a retro Vegas staple known for its huge portions and vintage diner vibe. Afternoon: Spend the day at AREA15 , where you can wander through the mind-bending Omega Mart , explore the Illuminarium , check out Wink World , and so much more. Evening: Dinner at Block 16 Urban Food Hall in The Cosmopolitan — a foodie paradise with everything from Momofuku to Ghost Donkey . Nightcap: End your evening with a glamorous cocktail or mocktail at The Chandelier Bar inside The Cosmopolitan. Day 4 – Vegas Local + Tourist Combo Morning: Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Café . A favorite amongst Vegas Locals with multiple locations throughout the valley! They serve up an amazing breakfast with unique drinks. Afternoon: Choose between hiking the Historic Railroad Trail (Lake Mead views!) or exploring the stunning Red Rock Canyon . You can hike Red Rock, or drive through and enjoy the scenery. Evening: Step into old-school Vegas with dinner at Capo’s Restaurant & Speakeasy . Night: Ride the High Roller observation wheel for breathtaking views, then grab a frosty cocktail at Minus5 Ice Bar to cap off your trip. Local Pro Tips Do not swim in the Beach Club pools — just trust us on this one. Avoid ATM fees in casinos by bringing cash ahead of time. Characters on the Strip aren’t free — they’ll ask for tips after photos. Don’t limit yourself to the Strip — Vegas has amazing off-Strip attractions. Escape rooms here are great! Try Escapology at Town Square or PanIQ Room at The Venetian. Bring comfortable walking shoes — distances on the Strip are deceiving. October is the best month for weather. Additional Show Recommendations: A Vegas Golden Knights Game A Raider’s Game ANYTHING at the Sphere (Postcards from Earth, The Backstreet Boys, Eagles, etc.) The Atomic Saloon Show inside the Venetian RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! At The Flamingo Las Vegas Exhibits/Museums to check out: The Bodies Exhibit The Titanic Exhibit The Neon Museum Madame Tussauds Mob Museum This 4-day plan mixes the best of the Strip with local treasures, so you’ll leave Vegas feeling like you’ve truly experienced it — not just skimmed the surface.