Commercial leases? The tenant has to match the landlords policy. It's usually one or two million in coverage. And it is a condition of the lease. Let it lapse and you're in breach.

Do you mean for their personal property?  No requirement, but give them the disclosure that recommends they buy it.

YES and for $100 bucks, here, it is well spent for any tenant

Put it in the lease but it is difficult to track and enforce.

Probably  a good idea to have it in the lease.  That way tenants can initial that area, acknowledging that they are aware Landlord does not insure their personal possessions. 

If they have certain dogs then our insurance company requires them to have renters insurance.

Yes they should have insurance. If there is any damage and it’s found to be negligence on the owner’s behalf, I’d hate to see what attorneys and the courts would have to say. Not being well versed with insurance, I’m not sure what recourse he owner would have on the renters’ negligence. 

It should be a requirement in every residential lease!

As a landlord, we require renter's insurance  and proof of payment (per our lease).  It was recommended by our insurance agent as added liability.  We've never had an issue getting it from tenants

Our properties are insured. We tell our renters that they should get insurance, if anything does happen they are not insured and they will lose everything as our insurance does not cover contents. 

Without fail! YES!

I always gave advice to tenants to get tenant's insurance because mine was not for content.... that was also in their rental agreement ....

It's the tenants responsibility to purchase renters insurance not the landlord.

Yes...

It's just crazy not to have renters insurance. 

We do in our management contracts.

Yes it should be a requirement. It’s easy to explain the rationale for 

Require ~ likely legally not, strongly suggest~ yes. 

Yes!!

Jennifer,

It is a good practice for tenants to folow, and I agree with Roy Kelley 

I think they should require it, if it covers appliances, just in case of fires and such

If it is one of my properties yes.

I certainly can't require that as an agent. I can however recommend they purchase it though. There is no cons to it.

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

Yes.

I believe you should to protect yourself and any misunderstandings that might arise if there is a claim.

We do.

I have never asked tenants about that but I make sure they understand that my homeowners does not cover their possessions.

I tell them the owner has home insurace (fire insurance). If the home is broken in they are utimately responsible to loss. Entirely up to them.

WE suggest but do not require. It is a pesonal decision

You can recommend but not require

Haven't seen it required. I don't work many rentals though. 

It's an upfront discussion that should take place.  Between listing agent and landlord. Plus with the proposed tenant as well.  

Good luck.

I do not because it's one more thing to track AND you have to enforce it. Are you willing to kick out a good tenant just because they refuse to maintain insurance on their stuff?

It may make sense for someone with a few rentals. I have around 300 and don't want my staff spending time collecting proof of insurance, notifying tenants when it expires, or dealing with violations.  Particularly when the use of renters insurance is very rare.

Every state and every court can be different but I have seen case law where the judge ruled a Landlord cannot force the tenant to purchase insurance.

Yep!

Litigation begins when someone perceives they have suffered a lose.

My argument is. "Because I said so."

Exactly the same justification for the pet deposit and security payment.

And during that annual inspection, I need to see that receipt for renters insurance.

Yes, I do/we do as a company for writing leases.

I don't do rentals, but if I were a landlord, I would.

I always recommend renters have personal property insurance. Although I always put that clause in the offer to lease, and that it be in  full force and effect for the duration of the lease agreement, and ask that a copy be given to the Landlord, it is difficult to enforce.  The Tenant could cancel it at any time...

We recommend but will begin requiring insurance in 2018. In the event of a tragedy the tenant has a place to live whil they v get back on their feet.

Great answers are here. 

Good luck

What great answers are here

For the low price of it, YES they should have it.

Renters Insurance does not cover the property, only the renters contents. So if they have insurance it will not protect the landlord, only the contents of the renters. It should be considered because it will cover contents in case of fire, theft and in some cases, personal injury inside your unit.

I don't do rentals, but definitely would have them sign a form stating they SHOULD have it to protect their personal items.

I advise my tenants that my insurance only covers the building and not personal property.  They are advised to get their own policy.  If they have dogs, they are required to get a policy and name me as an additional insured.

All renters should consider this subjectively. If there is a catastrophe, the owner may be covered but they wont. Go from there

Liability, liability, liability, YES, it's necessary!

Jennifer Mackay Yes they should. Like all insurance it will minimize their liability.