Andres Dominguez III | 13 February, 2026
Many Utah landlords assume their landlord insurance policy covers tenant damage. Unfortunately, coverage depends on how the policy is written. Not all landlord policies are created equal. In this article, we’ll explain the exclusions that often catch landlords off guard.
What Is NOT Covered ❌
Insurance is designed to cover sudden & accidental damages–not problems that develop slowly over the course of many months or many years. Carpets naturally wear out. Walls accumulate scuffs and minor damage. And appliances will eventually break down. These are all common examples of normal wear and tear, which are not covered by landlord policies.
Neglect and gradual damage are also not covered by insurance. Examples such as slow leaks, mold from long-term moisture, and deferred maintenance issues are all considered maintenance issues. Insurance companies expect the landlord to perform routine inspections and upkeep to catch these types of damages before they become large losses.
For example, if the P-Trap in your tenant’s bathroom suddenly bursts and causes water damage to the bathroom–that is usually covered. In contrast, imagine a small water leak that goes unnoticed for three months, causing water damage and rotting to the subfloor. This is often considered neglect and may not be covered. Damage that could have been prevented with reasonable care is typically excluded.
Lastly, Tenant’s Personal Property is excluded from a Landlord Policy. For example–let’s say there’s a kitchen fire in your rental and it causes the property to burn down to ashes. Your landlord policy would typically pay for the cost of rebuilding the structure and replacing your personal property (i.e., washer, dryer, oven, etc) inside the rental. However, your tenants’ personal property, such as clothing, furniture, and electronics, would not be covered. In this example, your tenants would make a claim on their Renter’s Policy (HO4) to replace their property that was damaged in the fire. This is why we recommend that you require your tenants to carry their own renters’ insurance.
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Please note–this list of exclusions is NOT comprehensive, and every policy contract is different. Coverage depends on how your specific policy is written. Before assuming you are protected, please consult with a trusted advisor. You can speak directly with our Landlord Specialist, Andres, by calling 801-262-1551 or by submitting an inquiry in the box at the bottom of this page.
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