Who Covers What in Student Housing?
When a student moves into off-campus housing, one of the most common assumptions is that the landlord’s insurance policy protects everything, including the renter’s belongings. This misunderstanding can be costly. In reality, landlord insurance and renters insurance cover very different things. If you’re a parent helping your child move into student housing, it’s essential to know the gap between the two and how renters’ insurance fills it.
What Is Landlord Insurance?
Landlord insurance is designed to protect the property owner, not the renter. It typically covers:
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The physical structure of the home or apartment
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Damage from things like fire, storms, or vandalism
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Liability protection if someone is injured on the property due to maintenance issues
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Lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable
This means if a pipe bursts and ruins the flooring, the landlord’s policy helps repair the unit. But if it destroys a student’s laptop, books, or clothes? That’s not covered.
What Is Renters’ Insurance?
Renters’ insurance protects the tenant. For students living off-campus, this means covering:
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Personal belongings (laptop, phone, clothes, furniture, electronics)
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Liability if they accidentally cause damage or someone is hurt in the unit
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Loss of use if they need to temporarily relocate after a covered event like a fire or flood
Most policies are affordable—often $10 to $20 per month—and cover thousands of dollars in value. It fills the gaps left by landlord insurance.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Landlord Insurance | Renters Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Covers building structure | ✅ | ❌ |
| Covers tenant’s belongings | ❌ | ✅ |
| Covers tenant’s liability | ❌ | ✅ |
| Required by law | Sometimes | Often required by lease |
| Who buys it | Landlord | Student/Renter |
Common Misconceptions, Cleared Up
“Doesn’t my landlord’s insurance cover my stuff?”
No. Their policy protects their building and financial interests, not your child’s belongings or liability.
“The place looks safe. Why do we need insurance?”
Accidents happen. A kitchen fire, burst pipe, or stolen laptop can create thousands in unexpected losses. Renters’ insurance offers peace of mind at a low cost.
“I thought our homeowners’ policy covers my student?”
Sometimes, but usually only for on-campus housing or limited off-premises coverage. Once they live in off-campus housing with a lease in their name, a separate renters’ policy is often needed.
Explore More Student Insurance Questions:
Why Renters’ Insurance Is Especially Important for Students
College students often bring thousands of dollars worth of belongings with them, including laptops, phones, gaming systems, and more. On top of that, students may not always be the most careful roommates or neighbors. Renters’ insurance protects:
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Against theft (which is common in shared housing)
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Accidental damage like an overflowed bathtub or kitchen fire
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Guest injuries, which can lead to lawsuits or medical bills
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Temporary housing costs if their unit becomes unlivable
Even if it is not legally required, some landlords now make renters insurance a lease requirement to reduce their own liability exposure.
What Happens Without Renters Insurance?
If your child is uninsured and something happens:
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They replace their items out of pocket
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They may be liable for damage to the property
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They could be on the hook for medical expenses if someone is hurt
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You may be the one financially responsible
For $15 a month, these risks can be avoided.
When Both Policies Work Together
Landlord and renters’ insurance are designed to work in tandem:
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Landlord insurance repairs the unit if a fire occurs.
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Renters’ insurance replaces the student’s laptop, clothes, and textbooks.
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If the apartment is unlivable, renters’ insurance covers hotel stays.
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If the student accidentally causes the fire, renters’ liability coverage may protect them from paying the landlord out of pocket.
Final Thought: One Covers the Building. The Other Covers Your Student.
Think of it like this: landlord insurance covers the walls, ceiling, floors, and building structure. Renters’ insurance covers everything your student brings through the front door and the liability they carry as tenants.
It’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about understanding that they do different jobs. Renters’ insurance fills the gap that landlord coverage simply cannot.