Are Landlords Required To Have Insurance? (And What Coverage Does It Offer?)

Are you a landlord? If so, you know that owning rental properties can be a great way to generate passive income. However, it’s important to remember that landlords are responsible for the safety and security of their properties. This means that they are at risk of financial losses in the event of property damage, tenant liability claims, or loss of rent.

But do you need landlord insurance?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the laws in your state, the value of your property, and your own personal risk tolerance. However, even if landlord insurance is not legally required, it is still a wise investment for most landlords.

This article will discuss the benefits of landlord insurance and why it is important for landlords to have this type of coverage.

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover in Australia?

Landlord insurance is a type of insurance that protects landlords from financial losses that can occur as a result of owning rental properties in Australia. This type of insurance can cover a wide range of risks, including property damage, liability claims, and loss of rent.

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What Type of Landlord Insurance Do I Need?

Some of the most common types of coverage included in landlord insurance policies in Australia include:

  • Property damage: This coverage protects the landlord’s rental property from damage caused by fire, flood, storm, vandalism, and other events.
  • Liability claims: This coverage protects the landlord from legal claims made by tenants or visitors who are injured on the property.
  • Loss of rent: This coverage pays the landlord for lost rent if the property is damaged and cannot be rented out.
  • Tenant default insurance: This coverage pays the landlord for lost rent if a tenant fails to pay rent or leaves the property early.
  • Eviction expenses: This coverage pays for the cost of evicting a tenant who is not paying rent or who is violating the terms of the lease.
  • Rent collection: This coverage pays for the cost of collecting rent from tenants who are late or who refuse to pay.

In addition to these basic types of landlord insurance, there are also a number of optional coverages that you may want to consider. These include:

  • Eviction expenses: This coverage pays for the cost of evicting a tenant who is not paying rent or who is violating the terms of the lease.
  • Rent collection: This coverage pays for the cost of collecting rent from tenants who are late or who refuse to pay.
  • Keyholder liability: This coverage protects the landlord from legal claims made by keyholders who are injured on the property.
  • Water backup: This coverage protects the landlord from damage caused by water backup from sewers or drains.
  • Mold and mildew: This coverage protects the landlord from damage caused by mold and mildew.

The cost of landlord insurance in Australia will vary depending on the type of coverage you choose, the value of your property, and your own personal risk tolerance. However, landlord insurance is typically very affordable.

When choosing a landlord insurance policy in Australia, it is important to compare quotes from different companies. You should also make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the policy so that you know what is covered and what is not.

Landlord insurance is not required by law in Australia, but it is highly recommended. A landlord insurance policy can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Do I Need Landlord Insurance?

Whether or not you need landlord insurance depends on a few factors, including the laws in your state, the value of your property, and your own personal risk tolerance. However, even if landlord insurance is not legally required, it is still a wise investment for most landlords.

Here are some of the benefits of having landlord insurance in Australia:

  • Peace of mind: Landlord insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that you are protected from financial losses in the event of a property damage, tenant liability claims, or loss of rent.
  • Financial protection: Landlord insurance can help to protect your investment in your rental property. This is especially important if you have a mortgage on the property.
  • Compliance with lending requirements: Some lenders in Australia require landlords to have landlord insurance as a condition of the mortgage.
  • Tax benefits: In some cases, the cost of landlord insurance may be tax-deductible.

If you are a landlord in Australia, you should consider getting landlord insurance. It is a valuable asset that can help to protect your investment and provide peace of mind.

How Much Landlord Insurance Cover do I Need?

The cost of landlord insurance in Australia will vary depending on the type of coverage you choose, the value of your property, and your own personal risk tolerance. However, landlord insurance is typically very affordable.

Compare quotes from different companies. Here are some additional tips for determining how much landlord insurance cover you need in Australia:

  • Get quotes from multiple insurance companies: This will help you compare prices and coverage options.
  • Consider your financial situation: If you are low-income or have a lot of debt, you may need more coverage than someone who is more financially secure.
  • Think about the risks involved in your area: If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, you may need more coverage than someone who lives in a less risky area.
  • Review your policy regularly: Your needs may change over time, so it’s important to review your policy regularly to make sure you have the right amount of coverage.

How to Make a Landlord Insurance Claim

If your rental property is damaged, you may be able to file a landlord insurance claim to get compensation for the damage. The process of making a landlord insurance claim can be daunting, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and correctly.

Here are the steps on how to make a landlord insurance claim:

  • Contact your insurance company: Once you have determined that your rental property has been damaged and you need to make a claim, your first step should be to contact your insurance company. They will be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork and instructions on how to file a claim.
  • Gather documentation: You will need to gather documentation to support your claim. This may include things like photos of the damage, estimates from contractors, and police reports if the damage was caused by a crime.
  • File a claim: Once you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. This can usually be done online or by mail.
  • Work with your insurance company: Your insurance company will investigate your claim and determine whether it is covered. If your claim is covered, they will work with you to resolve the claim and get you the compensation you need.

Invest in Rental Property with Odin Mortgage

Are you looking for a way to invest in real estate and generate passive income?

If so, you may want to consider investing in rental property. Rental property can be a great way to build wealth over time, and Odin Mortgage can help you get started.

If you’re interested in investing in rental property, contact Odin Mortgage today. 

Get a free Australian mortgage assessment today.

Apply online to get a free recommendation with real rates and repayments.

Frequently asked questions

Landlord insurance is a type of insurance that covers landlords against financial losses that can occur as a result of owning rental properties. This can include losses caused by fire, flood, storm, vandalism, tenant liability claims, and loss of rent.

Whether or not landlord insurance is worth it depends on a number of factors, including the value of your property, the risks involved in your area, and your own personal risk tolerance. However, even if landlord insurance is not legally required, it is still a wise investment for most landlords.

No, landlord insurance is not compulsory in NSW. However, it is strongly recommended that all landlords have landlord insurance.



No, landlord insurance is not compulsory in Victoria. However, it is strongly recommended that all landlords have landlord insurance.

No, landlord insurance is not mandatory in Queensland. However, it is strongly recommended that all landlords have landlord insurance.



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