Can an apartment complex force you to buy renter’s insurance?
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Can an apartment complex force you to buy renter’s insurance?
It sent us a letter saying that in order to renew lease I have to show proof of renter’s insurance.
Asked on January 19, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, an apartment complex can force you to buy renter's insurance--and they frequently do. Remember: no one has to be a landlord or rent out apartments; they choose voluntarily to do so. Therefore, the law lets them put essentially any condition or requirement on renting, so long as it is not illegal discrimination (e.g. against the disabled or a racial group) or does not contravene some other law, such as housing codes. The requirement for another party to a contract--and that is what a lease is; a contract--to buy or provide insurance is not illegal, so a landlord may require this.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, an apartment complex can force you to buy renter's insurance--and they frequently do. Remember: no one has to be a landlord or rent out apartments; they choose voluntarily to do so. Therefore, the law lets them put essentially any condition or requirement on renting, so long as it is not illegal discrimination (e.g. against the disabled or a racial group) or does not contravene some other law, such as housing codes. The requirement for another party to a contract--and that is what a lease is; a contract--to buy or provide insurance is not illegal, so a landlord may require this.
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