Homeowners Insurance vs. Landlord Insurance in Georgia — Which Do You Need?
Updated: Oct 9
It happens all the time. You buy a new house in Douglasville and keep the old one in Hiram as a rental. Or you inherit your grandmother's house in Cedartown and rent it to a family. Or you buy a duplex near Shorter University in Rome as an investment. If the old homeowners policy is still on that property, you could have a serious problem when a claim comes in.
Homeowners Insurance Is for Homes You Live In
A standard homeowners policy is designed for an owner-occupied home. It covers the dwelling, your belongings, your liability, and your living expenses if you're displaced. Most homeowners policies don't fit a home rented to tenants long term. If your insurer finds out at claim time that the home is a rental, the claim could be denied.
Landlord Insurance Is Built for Rentals
A landlord policy, often called a dwelling fire policy, is designed for rental properties. Common versions include:
DP-1: Basic named perils, usually actual cash value. The most limited and least expensive.
DP-3: Broader protection on the structure, often at replacement cost. The most common choice for rental homes.
What Landlord Insurance Typically Covers
The dwelling: The structure of the rental home
Other structures: Detached garages, sheds, and fences
Fair rental value (loss of rent): Replaces rent you lose while the home is being repaired after a covered loss
Landlord liability: If a tenant or guest is hurt due to a problem with the property (often added to the policy or included, depending on the carrier)
Your property on site: Appliances or lawn equipment you provide
What It Doesn't Cover
Your tenant's belongings: That's what renters insurance is for. Many landlords require tenants to carry it.
Flood: Needs a separate flood policy, important for rentals near creeks or rivers.
Wear and tear, and tenant damage: Normal deterioration and intentional damage usually aren't covered.
Short-Term Rentals Are Different
Renting through Airbnb or Vrbo, even a room or a weekend at a time, is a different risk from a long-term lease. Some carriers offer home-sharing coverage, others require a specialty policy, and many homeowners policies exclude it. Tell us exactly how you rent so we can match the right coverage.
Vacant Property Warning
If your rental sits empty between tenants, check your vacancy clause. Many policies limit coverage, such as vandalism or water damage, once a home has been vacant for a set period, commonly around 60 days. Rural rentals in Haralson and Floyd counties can sit empty longer between tenants, so plan for it.
Smart Moves for Georgia Landlords
Require renters insurance in your lease, with you listed as an interested party
Carry strong liability limits and consider an umbrella policy
Keep the property's title owner and the named insured matching, especially if the home is in an LLC
Document the home's condition with photos at every move-in and move-out
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my homeowners policy if I rent my house for a year? Usually not. Call us before the tenant moves in.
Is landlord insurance more expensive than homeowners? Often a bit more for comparable coverage, because rentals carry different risks. It's a business expense worth discussing with your tax professional.
Do you insure rentals in Rome and Haralson County? Yes. We insure landlords across Georgia.
Get the Right Policy on Your Rental
Hometown Insurance Group Jimenez Agency compares multiple carriers for single homes and small portfolios. Hablamos español. Call 678-525-7607 or request a quote at myagentvictor.com.
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