Homeowners insurance covers a home you live in; landlord insurance (a dwelling or DP-3 policy) covers a property you rent to tenants, with added protections like rental-income loss and landlord liability.
Different Policies
By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026
Homeowners insurance
- For owner-occupied homes.
- Covers structure, your belongings, liability, loss of use.
Landlord insurance
- For rental properties.
- Covers the structure and landlord liability.
- Adds loss of rental income; does NOT cover tenants’ belongings (they need renters insurance).
Common exclusions
- Using a homeowners policy on a rental (can void coverage)
- Tenants’ belongings (their renters policy)
- Normal wear between tenants
State considerations
Renting out a home on a standard homeowners policy can lead to denied claims — insurers require a landlord policy for tenant-occupied properties.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use homeowners insurance on a rental?
No — you need landlord insurance once tenants move in.
Does landlord insurance cover tenants’ stuff?
No — tenants need their own renters insurance.
Related guides
Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.
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