Is Renters Insurance Mandatory in Canada?

Renting a home in Canada comes with many considerations, and one important question that often arises is whether renters insurance is mandatory. In this article, we will explore the topic of renters insurance and whether it is required by law in Canada.

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Is Renters Insurance Legally Required in Canada?

No, renters insurance is not mandatory by law in Canada — at the federal or provincial level.

That means there’s no legislation that forces tenants to carry insurance for their belongings or personal liability. However, landlords have the right to require it as part of a lease agreement — and many do.

So while it’s not legally required, it can still be a lease requirement, and therefore necessary if you want to sign or renew a rental agreement.

Why Almost All Landlords Require Renters Insurance

From a landlord’s perspective, renters insurance helps reduce risk. While their insurance covers the building structure, it doesn't protect the tenant’s personal belongings — or the tenant’s responsibility if they accidentally cause damage.

Common reasons landlords include it in lease agreements:

• To ensure tenants can cover damage caused by accidents (e.g., kitchen fires, water leaks)

• To avoid legal disputes over liability

• To encourage tenants to take responsibility for their own belongings

• To reduce the chance they’ll be asked to cover costs outside of their policy

If you’re asked to show proof of tenant insurance before move-in day, it’s not unusual — and it’s becoming increasingly common across Canada.

What Does Renters Insurance Actually Cover?

Renters insurance (aka tenant insurance) typically includes three major types of protection:

1. Contents Coverage

Reimburses you for the loss or damage of your personal belongings — like furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables — due to covered events such as:

• Fire

• Theft or vandalism

• Water damage from plumbing issues

• Certain natural disasters (depending on the policy)

2. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage protects you if you’re legally responsible for causing:

• Injury to someone visiting your home

• Damage to the building (e.g., accidentally starting a fire)

• Damage to someone else’s property

3. Additional Living Expenses

Covers temporary living costs (hotel, food, transportation) if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

Why You Should Get Renters Insurance (Even If It’s Not Required)

Here’s the thing: skipping renters insurance might seem like a way to save money — until something goes wrong.

Without coverage:

• You’re on your own if your stuff gets stolen or destroyed

• You could be sued if someone gets injured in your home

• You’d have to pay out-of-pocket for emergency hotel stays after a flood or fire

For just a few dollars a month, you can avoid those financial shocks — and gain peace of mind knowing you're protected.

The Importance of Renters Insurance

While renters insurance may not be mandatory by law across Canada, it is highly recommended for tenants to have this type of coverage. Renters insurance provides invaluable protection for your belongings and can save you from significant financial losses in unexpected situations. It also offers liability coverage to protect you if someone gets injured on your rental property and decides to file a lawsuit.

FAQs About Renters Insurance in Canada

Q: Can my landlord force me to get renters insurance? A: Yes, if it’s written into the lease. While it’s not legally required, most landlords make it a condition of renting their property.

Q: Do students living off-campus need renters insurance? A: If you’re renting your own place, yes — it’s a good idea. Some students may be covered under their parents’ policy, but that’s not always the case. Check out APOLLO's options for Student Tenant Insurance.

Q: What if I already have coverage through a roommate’s policy? A: Most policies don’t automatically cover roommates unless they’re specifically named. That means if you start a fire that spreads to a neighbour's unit, and your roommate is the one on the policy, you'll be on the hook for

Q: Is renters insurance expensive? A: Not at all — most policies start at around $20/month and can save you thousands in the long run.

APOLLO offers effortless tenant insurance designed to protect renters across Canada. Get your free quote in less than a minute and we’ll send your policy documents right to your inbox.

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Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.

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