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.

Step Into the Shadows: Exploring Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)

800+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting: Why Las Vegas Trusts McKenna Property Management

July 21, 2025
McKenna Property Management is proud to have earned over 800 five-star reviews on Google — real feedback from property owners, investors, agents, and tenants all across Las Vegas who’ve experienced the difference working with us makes. Led by our owner and broker Jenni McKenna, with over 30 years of local real estate experience, we focus on making property management smooth, efficient, and refreshingly personal. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all service or sending you in circles with automated systems. When you call our office, you’ll get a live person on the phone — not a robot or endless phone tree. Our team is organized into specialized departments, so whether it’s leasing, maintenance coordination, accounting, or HOA coordination, you’re always connected with the right person who knows how to help. That means quicker responses, clearer communication, and less frustration all around. Owners and investors trust us to handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and repairs, helping maximize returns without the usual headaches. Agents feel confident referring clients to us because they know we respect their relationships — when it’s time for their clients to buy or sell, we never interfere or poach. Our focus remains solely on providing top-tier property management, while preserving and protecting their business. And tenants enjoy well-maintained homes, easy online systems, and a team that truly listens and responds. At McKenna Property Management, we treat every property like it’s our own and every person like part of our community. If you’re looking for reliable, experienced property management in Las Vegas with real people and real results, we’d love to connect.

Discovering Fergusons Downtown: Vegas’s Creative Heartbeat

July 14, 2025
Tucked at 1028 Fremont Street, Fergusons Downtown is where the spirit of old Vegas meets the creativity of a new generation. Once a mid-century motel, the property has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that pulses with life, art, food, and connection - a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic soul of Las Vegas beyond the glow of the Strip. Originally the Franklin Motel in the 1940s and later renamed Fergusons Motel in the ’60s, the site was reimagined in 2019 by the late Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project. What was once a simple roadside motel is now a full city block dedicated to innovation, small business, and creative risk-taking. The former motel rooms have been turned into studios and retail spaces, now home to an eclectic mix of local businesses. You’ll find everything from Neon Cactus Vintage to plantlovers’ haven LV Plant Collective. For foodies, Fergusons delivers with the Vegas Test Kitchen, a rotating lineup of pop-up culinary concepts that keep things fresh. Highlights include Mothership Coffee Roasters (offering everything from vegan pastries to charcuterie), La Monja for ceviche and housemade tortillas, and Hatsumi for seafood and sake with a Japanese twist. Cocktail lovers can settle into F the Bar, a cozy greenhouse-style lounge serving drinks like the hibiscuslavender “Vegas Playground.” At the center of the space is Big Rig Jig—a towering, 50-foot sculpture made from repurposed oil tankers. It’s bold, unexpected, and the perfect metaphor for what Fergusons stands for: turning the ordinary into something unforgettable. The community vibe continues in The Yard, a grassy gathering space that hosts jam sessions, yoga classes, comedy nights, open mics, and weekend markets. Monthly events like the Hey Maker Market and Pour in the Alley spotlight local artisans, performers, and mixologists, making every visit feel new. Fergusons Downtown isn’t just a redevelopment project—it’s a living ecosystem. It’s where artists, entrepreneurs, families, and visitors collide over coffee, cocktails, creativity, and conversation. It’s a place that proves Vegas is more than casinos and clubs; it’s a city full of soul. If you're ready to experience a different kind of Las Vegas—one rooted in community, creativity, and a touch of magic—step into Fergusons and see what’s blooming in the heart of downtown.