Renters insurance can seem complicated when it comes to what you should insure and exactly what you do not have to insure. However, when it comes to the big picture, like your rental unit, it is easy. Renters do not need to worry about insuring the building itself because it is covered by the home or apartment complex owner’s insurance policy. It is not your responsibility as a renter to insure the actual building. You will not be held liable should the building burn down, if there is vandalism, or if it is damage in a storm. The only time that you could be held liable is if you damage the building through your own negligence.

Similarly, you can take comfort in knowing your landlord’s insurance policy will cover the liability for anything that happens in the common areas of the building you rent, just like your renters insurance policy will cover liability inside your unit. For example, you will not be held responsible if someone hurts himself in a communal pool. That is the responsibility of your landlord and his homeowners insurance policy. You are also not responsible for any accidents that happen with repair crews hired by your landlord who do not enter your home. If they are doing work on the outside of the apartment, then they would be covered by the landlords liability insurance that is a part of their homeowners insurance.

One aspect that you should be concerned about though is if someone is hurt inside the home or apartment you are renting if you invited them there. For example, if your cable television was not working properly and you asked a repairman to come to your house and they were hurt in some way, you could be held liable in court instead of your landlord. You want to ensure that you have some type of liability coverage to protect you in case you are sued by that repairman. Having renters insurance will help you with that liability protection.