Can I be evicted for not gettingrenter’s insurance?
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Can I be evicted for not gettingrenter’s insurance?
I received a letter from my landlord stating that I will need to obtain renters insurace for the rental I am in. I just signed a lease for another year and it does not stipulate that. He is asking a minimum of $100,000 coverage. Am I required by state law to obtain renters insurance?
Asked on March 29, 2011 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
No, there is no law requiring renter's insurance, though it's a *very* good idea for renters and landlords alike.
If you have a written lease, the landlord may not add new terms, conditions, or requirements to it--e.g. the landlord may not require you get renter's insurance during the term of the lease, though he or she is free to recommend it, ask if you'd get it, etc. You can't be evicted for not having a form of insurance that's not in the lease, though for the next renewal, the landlord could make renter's insurance mandatory.
Again, though, it's a very good idea to have, and it's fairly inexpensive. Before just saying "no," you should get some quotes--it may be worthwhile to buy it (or possibly to discuss matters with your landlord--maybe he'll be happy with $30k to $50k of insurance, say, in which case you can keep a good relationship with him and protect your belongings all for a very low price).
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