Last Updated October 2025
- Renters insurance can help cover sudden and accidental water damage but not floods or neglect-related leaks.
- Personal property coverage in a renters policy can help replace water-damaged belongings like clothing, furniture and electronics.
- Additional living expenses coverage in a renters policy can help pay for temporary housing if covered water damage makes your rental uninhabitable.
- You may be able to add other optional coverages — for sewer backups, for example.
Water damage is among the most common and costliest types of damage affecting U.S. residences, including rental properties, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Causes range from a burst pipe or leaking appliance to a flood. Whether a renter is covered under renters insurance depends on what caused the damage. Whatever the cause, a landlord’s insurance could cover damage to the building itself, but most likely not to tenants’ property. Below, find out what’s typically covered, what isn’t and what steps you can take if you discover a water leak in your rental home.
What does renters insurance typically cover?
Sudden and accidental water damage
In most cases, renters insurance can help pay for losses to your possessions caused by sudden and accidental water damage. For example:
- A pipe bursts unexpectedly, soaking the area rugs in the living room.
- Your washing machine overflows and damages clothing and furniture.
- Your upstairs neighbor’s bathtub runs over and ruins your belongings.
Events like these are generally considered sudden and accidental because most often they aren’t caused by neglect, poor maintenance or a flood. While renters insurance isn’t required by law, it can help you protect yourself from the financial impact of sudden and accidental water damage. As renters policies from different companies have different coverages and terms, it is important to check your policy to see what it actually covers, or talk to your agent.
Coverage for your personal belongings
Renters insurance policies typically include personal property coverage, which can help you pay to repair or replace your belongings if they’re damaged in a covered water event. This can include items like electronics, clothing and furniture.
Additional living expenses
If covered water damage makes your rental temporarily uninhabitable, renters insurance can also help you pay for your additional living expenses. For instance, if you need to stay in a hotel or rent another place while repairs are made, this coverage can help with the extra expenses — and is another reason people find renters insurance to be worth the cost.
What does renters insurance typically not cover?
Flood damage
Damage caused by flooding — such as from heavy rain, hurricanes or overflowing rivers — is not covered by renters insurance. But separate flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Sewer or drain backups
Damage caused by backups from sewers or drains is typically excluded. Some insurers offer optional add-ons to help cover these situations.
Slow leaks or neglect
If water damage results from ongoing issues — like a slow leak from a roof that wasn’t properly maintained — it’s typically not covered, even if things in your unit are ruined. Renters insurance is designed for sudden, accidental events, not wear and tear or maintenance problems.
If the water damage was caused by the landlord’s failure to maintain the property, your personal belongings are typically not covered by renters insurance or the landlord’s policy — but you might have a legal claim. This would be handled through landlord-tenant law, though, not through insurance.
Damage to your building
Landlords typically have insurance that can cover water damage to the building itself — think roof, walls, ceiling, floors. Renters insurance could help cover your belongings in the living space.
| Damage | Typically Covered? |
|---|---|
| A pipe bursts suddenly, soaking furniture | Yes. Sudden and accidental |
| Washing machine hose leaks unexpectedly | Yes. Sudden and accidental |
| Flooding river causes damage to your things | No. Requires separate flood insurance |
| Sewer backs up into your rental unit | Yes, if you have optional add-on sewer backup coverage |
| Sewer backs up into your rental unit | No, if you don’t have added sewer backup coverage |
| Slow drip from a leaky roof damages things in your closet over months | No. Caused by lack of maintenance |
Steps to take if you discover water damage
- Stop the leak if possible, to prevent more damage.
- Shut off the water supply
- Unplug leaking appliances
- Take photos and videos of affected areas and belongings right away.
- Notify your landlord. They may be responsible for fixing the building’s plumbing or structural issues.
- Report the damage to your insurance company promptly to start the claims process.
- Move belongings out of wet areas and use towels or buckets to contain leaks.
- Keep receipts and records. Save all documentation for temporary repairs, cleanup supplies and extra living expenses.
How to file a water damage claim
Document the damage
Right away, make sure you have photos and videos of the cause of the damage and of the damaged belongings. List damaged items and document their value with receipts if you can. A home inventory can be a big help.
Notify your landlord and insurance company
Report the issue to your landlord first — they may be responsible for repairs to the building. Then contact your insurance provider to start the claims process. Your insurer will ask for details and start the process of evaluating your loss.
Prevent further damage
Your renters policy typically requires you to take reasonable steps to limit additional damage, such as shutting off the water supply or moving belongings out of harm’s way. Your claim may be affected if you don’t take action and the damage worsens.
Keep expense records
Save receipts for any temporary repairs or extra living costs, as these may be reimbursable under your policy.
How Farmers® helps renters
Coverage options for water-related damage
- Personal property coverage
- Liability coverage
- Additional living expense coverage
Optional add-ons
- Sewer backup coverage
- Flood insurance*
* Flood insurance is made available through Farmers participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and it is federally backed.
Learn more about Farmers renters insurance coverage options
Tips for preventing water damage in a rental
Inspect appliances and plumbing regularly
Check hoses on washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances for signs of wear and replace them as needed.
Consider adding leak detection devices
Placing simple dampness monitors or other leak detectors in vulnerable places — under your sink, washer or dishwasher — can alert you to trouble early, giving you time to head it off.
Report leaks early to your landlord
Even small drips can lead to big problems if left unaddressed. Documenting and reporting issues quickly can help prevent damage.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers® and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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