Landlord Protection Tips

Insuring your home and autos can be like going to the grocery to buy milk and bread... It's something that needs to be done and most of us do this task with no more than a worry of how much we're paying for it and is it as close to the product we bought before. That's one benefit of having an independent agent so as to be able to shop this around and tell you of any pertinent differences.

However, when it comes to insuring your investment property the trip to the grocery analogy isn't so cut and dry. Most insurance carriers are now putting a greater onus on the landlord with regards to insuring those properties, either by increasing the deductibles, restricting the causes of loss and/or the loss settlement options, as well as the condition(s) in which they are leased.

To help stave off any potential hazards that might make finding the right insurance a difficult process, we've included several tips below to help ease that burden.

Conduct credit and criminal background checks and request two references before leasing to a new renter. The renter’s current landlord may not be the best reference, as they may have unknown motives, so make sure to dig deeper.

Don’t rely on a potential renter’s pay stub. Call the employer directly to confirm they work there.

Include renters insurance in the lease and request a copy of the tenant’s insurance.

Regular and thorough inspections inside and out should be conducted at least every six months.

When you are preparing your home for your next renter, make sure all doors and windows are locked to prevent vandalism.

Maintain the home so it’s always in good condition to avoid potential hazards.

Do your homework and take the time to select responsible and highly recommended tenants. Completing this step will save time and money.

For questions regarding the tips above and help implementing them, please contact
Outcalt Kerns Insurance for more information.

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