Is Renter's Insurance enforceable?

[steve_w]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Hi,

I reside in a residential unit that is subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Los Angeles).

I recently received a renewal notice from the landlord and the notice specifies that as part of the renewal terms, I'm required to "obtain a renters insurance policy with a minimum of $100,000 in personal liability coverage".

Is this requirement enforceable for residential units subject to the above ordinance? In these tough economic times, the last thing I need is additional leasing expenses

Any feedback/advice will be much appreciated.

ThanksWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[FarmerJ]

Have you checked into renters insurance cost ? It has nothing to do with what you pay for rent , this way your own personal property is covered. Your LL has no obligation to cover your personal property if a fire or natural disaster wrecks the building and your things are destroyed. Using MSN search heres a good place to start checking if you have not renters insurance cost in CA - Live Search

 

[Alaska landlord]

Last night I had one of my renters set his kitchen on fire. Estimated damage due to smoke and fire is about 20,000. I know my renters would have wished they took my advice to get renters insurance. All of their furniture and clothing has to go and I served them their 30 day notice to vacate. Insurance company will not perform the cleanup and repair with tenants property in the apartment to contaminate their work.

All it would have cost them was 15.00 dollars a month to avoid the loss of their property.

 

[Hot Topic]

Yes, the landlord can require you to carry renter's insurance.

I live in a city under rent control in California, and my lease requires insurance. Too many tenants believe that the landlord's insurance covers everything and are in for a big shock when they discover it doesn't.

 

[CA LL]

Yes they can...$100K liability is standard for renter's insurance and the cost is only like $12 to $15 a month for minimum policies.

 

[ecmst12]

You shouldn't have to be TOLD to get renters insurance. Every single person who rents should have it. The personal property coverage is great but liability coverage protects YOU even more then your landlord. If you were to accidentally/negligently damage the building, would you want to PERSONALLY be on the hook for the thousands of dollars of damage that a fire or flood could cause? And as mentioned, it doesn't cost very much at all. Get it as soon as you can and you should THANK your landlord for reminding you that every tenant should have it.

 

[FarmerJ]

Steve yes things are hard for many many people BUT if you take the time to use this site and read up https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/apartment-burned-fire-444842.html Or https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/smoke-damage-unit-no-fire-443395.html or https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/apartment-fire-440036.html , https://forum.freeadvice.com/landlord-tenant-issues-42/fire-liability-412519.html, You can see a small sample of the hassles tenants have had when they did not have renters ins.

 

[steve_w]

Thanks all for your feedback!