Renter insurance in Canada, what it covers and why landlords ask for it

If you rent, renter insurance (often called tenant insurance in Canada) is one of those things you only miss after something goes wrong, like a leak, kitchen fire, break-in, or an accidental injury in your unit. It also helps avoid disputes because it draws a clear line between what your landlord’s insurance handles (the building) and what your policy handles (you and your stuff). 1

Below is a practical breakdown of renter insurance Canada what it covers, the biggest misconceptions, and a simple proof of insurance routine that keeps everyone calm when real life happens.

What renter insurance covers (the 3 core parts)

Most renter insurance policies are built around three buckets: liability, contents, and additional living expenses. 2

1) Liability coverage (the “oops” coverage)

Liability coverage can help if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property, or if someone is injured and you are found responsible. It can also help cover legal defence costs, up to your policy limits. 2

Examples tenants run into:

• You overflow a tub and water damages the unit below.

• A small kitchen fire damages cabinets or smoke damages neighbouring units.

• A guest slips and gets hurt in your unit.

Ontario’s standard lease lets landlords and tenants agree that the tenant must carry liability insurance, and if asked, the tenant must provide proof. 3

2) Contents coverage (your belongings)

Contents coverage helps replace or repair your personal belongings if they are damaged or stolen from a covered event, depending on your policy terms. 2

Think: furniture, clothes, electronics, small appliances, and other personal property. 4

A key point: your landlord’s home or building insurance generally does not cover your belongings. 1

3) Additional living expenses (ALE)

Additional living expenses coverage can help pay for certain extra costs if you cannot live in your rental temporarily because of a covered loss. This often includes things like a hotel or temporary rental, and other necessary expenses, subject to limits and policy conditions. 2 5

This matters more than people expect. After a major water loss, fire, or smoke damage, you may be out of your unit for days or weeks.

Why landlords ask for renter insurance (and why it can help tenants too)

Landlords usually ask for renter insurance for one reason: fewer disputes after damage, theft, or accidents.

Here is what it changes in real life:

• Clear responsibility after an incident

If your belongings are ruined, renter insurance is often the cleanest path to replacing them, without arguing about who pays. 1

• Fewer grey areas when damage spreads

Water and fire losses often affect more than one unit. Liability coverage helps reduce finger-pointing, because there is a defined process for claims. 2

• Faster recovery when your unit is unlivable

ALE coverage can keep you housed while repairs happen, which lowers stress for everyone involved. 5

Common misconceptions that cause conflicts

These are the ones that show up after a loss, when emotions are high.

1. “My landlord’s insurance covers my stuff.”

Usually not. Landlord coverage is about the building and the landlord’s interests, not your belongings. 1

1. “Renter insurance covers any damage, no matter what.”

Policies have exclusions, limits, and deductibles. Example: some categories (like jewelry or bikes) can have special limits unless you add extra coverage. Always check your policy documents.

1. “I only need contents coverage, liability is optional.”

Liability is often the part that prevents the biggest disputes, because it deals with damage to others and injury claims. 2

1. “If my roommate has insurance, I am covered.”

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Coverage depends on who is named on the policy and how the insurer treats roommates. Confirm in writing with your insurer.

1. “Proof of insurance means my landlord gets all my private details.”

No. Proof usually means a declarations page or certificate showing insurer, effective dates, and coverage types and limits, not your full policy wording or payment details. Ontario’s standard lease language is about proof of coverage, not full disclosure. 3

Proof of insurance best practice (simple, respectful, repeatable)

If your lease requires it, treat proof of insurance like a routine document, similar to a utility account confirmation.

What to share (usually enough)

• Insurer name

• Policy number (if you are comfortable, or partially redacted if the landlord accepts)

• Effective date and expiry date

• Liability limit (and sometimes contents coverage amount)

Ontario’s standard lease states that if liability insurance is required and the landlord asks for proof of coverage, the tenant must provide it. 3

When to share it

• Right after you sign the lease, or before move-in

• Any time you renew or change insurers

• Once a year, a week before renewal, so you do not accidentally lapse

Where to store it

Pick one place you will always remember. If you use Lease24, upload your declarations page to your documents area and set a reminder before renewal. That way, you can re-share proof in seconds if your landlord asks, and you have a clean record if there is ever a dispute. 6

Copy and paste message to send your landlord (proof of insurance)

Subject: Proof of renter insurance coverage

Hi [Landlord or Property Manager Name],

Per our lease, here is my proof of renter insurance coverage:

• Insurer: [Company]

• Policy number: [Number]

• Effective: [Date] to [Date]

• Liability limit: [Amount]

If you need the document in a different format (declarations page or certificate), tell me what you prefer and I will send it.

Thanks,

[Your name]

Copy and paste message to request a certificate from your insurer

Subject: Request for proof of tenant insurance

Hello,

Can you please send me a proof of insurance document (declarations page or certificate) showing my policy number, effective dates, and liability limit? I need it for my rental lease.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Quick checklist: choosing renter insurance that actually helps after a loss

Use this as a starting point, then confirm details with the insurer.

• Liability: choose a limit you are comfortable with (many insurers offer common options like $1,000,000 or $2,000,000) 7

• Contents: do a rough inventory (phone video walk-through works) and estimate replacement cost

• ALE: confirm it is included and understand the limit and what counts as an eligible expense 5

• Special items: ask about caps for jewelry, bikes, computers, or high-value items

• Deductible: pick one you could actually pay on short notice

• Policy wording: confirm key exclusions that matter to your situation (water damage types are a common one)

If damage or theft happens: the dispute-avoiding playbook

When something goes wrong, the goal is a clean timeline and clear documentation.

1. Make it safe first (turn off water if possible, call emergency services if needed).

2. Notify your landlord promptly, especially for building issues.

3. Document: photos, videos, and a short written timeline (what happened, when you noticed it, what you did next).

4. Keep receipts for emergency purchases and temporary living costs if you are displaced. 5

5. Contact your insurer and follow their instructions.

Lease24 tip: store photos, receipts, and messages in one place (uploads plus reminders). If there is a disagreement later, having everything organized reduces stress and back-and-forth. 6

FAQ

Can a landlord require renter insurance in Ontario?

Ontario’s standard lease includes an option where the landlord and tenant can agree that the tenant must have liability insurance. If that requirement is in your lease and the landlord asks for proof, the tenant must provide it. 3 [8]

Does renter insurance cover damage to the building?

Renter insurance is designed to protect the tenant (liability, contents, and ALE). Building coverage is typically handled by the landlord’s insurance. 1 2

What does “additional living expenses” actually pay for?

It can help cover certain extra costs if you cannot live in your unit due to a covered loss, like temporary accommodation. Coverage is subject to limits and policy rules. 5

What is the best proof of insurance to send a landlord?

A declarations page or certificate that shows the insurer, effective dates, and liability coverage is usually the best balance of proof and privacy. Ontario’s standard lease focuses on proof of coverage, not your full policy details. 3

What if my policy renews and I forget to send updated proof?

If your lease requires insurance, set a yearly reminder and send proof right after renewal. If you use Lease24, you can upload the updated document and set renewal reminders so you do not miss it. 6

Bottom line

Renter insurance is not just about replacing your stuff. It is a practical tool that reduces disputes after damage or theft by making coverage and responsibility clearer. Liability, contents, and additional living expenses are the three parts to understand first. 2

General information only, not legal advice.