Renting a Home
You've decided that renting a home is the next step of your journey. You know the apartment complex or landlord will be responsible for the rental building itself, but you'll need insurance coverage for all of your belongings inside. A good place to start is by taking inventory — here's a helpful checklist:
- Record the items you'll be bringing with you
- Compile receipts as proof of purchases
- Take pictures or video for visual proof
- Update your list as new purchases are made or items are disposed of
Verify Lease Requirements
Many rental agreements require a minimum amount of liability coverage that a renter must maintain throughout their lease, so you’ll need to confirm what limits are required in order to provide proper proof of insurance. It’s also a good idea to keep a dedicated file for your lease-related paperwork, including emails, along with copies of your insurance policy and completed personal inventory.
Who’s Covered?
You may not be renting an apartment on your own or with family — it’s common to live with friends or co-workers to cut back on expenses. Just keep in mind that a renters policy does not cover non-relatives that you live with, or their belongings. Be sure to discuss the lease requirements with your roommates in order to avoid last-minute complications when you’re ready to sign the lease.