Renters & Condos

Understand unique insurance needs for renters and condo owners. Learn the differences between unit coverage and building coverage, strata responsibilities, and tenant rights in Canadian housing arrangements.

Renters Insurance Basics
Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance: Essential Coverage Guide

Comprehensive overview of renters insurance including personal property coverage, liability protection, and additional living expenses for Canadian tenants.

9 min read Read More
Condo Insurance Coverage
Condo Insurance

Condo Insurance vs. Strata Coverage

Understand the differences between your condo insurance and strata corporation coverage, identifying gaps and ensuring comprehensive protection.

8 min read Read More
Strata Responsibilities
Strata Responsibilities

Understanding Strata Corporation Responsibilities

Learn what your strata corporation covers, common exclusions, and how to identify what additional coverage you need as a condo owner.

7 min read Read More
Personal Property Coverage
Renters Insurance

Personal Property Protection for Renters

Protect your belongings as a renter including coverage limits, replacement cost vs. actual cash value, and documentation requirements.

8 min read Read More
Unit Improvements
Condo Insurance

Insuring Condo Improvements and Upgrades

Coverage for renovations, upgrades, and improvements you make to your condo unit that may not be covered by the strata corporation insurance.

6 min read Read More
Tenant Rights
Tenant Rights

Tenant Rights and Insurance Requirements

Understand your rights as a tenant in Canada, insurance requirements by province, and how to handle disputes with landlords.

9 min read Read More
Strata Documents
Strata Responsibilities

Reading Strata Insurance Documents

Decode strata insurance policies, understand coverage boundaries, and identify potential coverage gaps that require additional insurance.

7 min read Read More
Condo Liability
Condo Insurance

Condo Liability Coverage Essentials

Understand liability coverage for condo owners including personal liability, loss assessment coverage, and protection against common condo risks.

8 min read Read More

Coverage Comparison: Renters vs. Condos vs. Homeowners

Renters Insurance

  • Covers: Personal property only
  • Structure: Landlord's responsibility
  • Liability: Personal and guest coverage
  • Additional Living: Temporary housing costs
  • Premium Range: $200-$500 annually
  • Common Exclusions: Landlord's improvements

Condo Insurance

  • Covers: Unit and personal property
  • Structure: Unit improvements only
  • Liability: Personal and loss assessment
  • Additional Living: Unit-specific coverage
  • Premium Range: $400-$800 annually
  • Common Exclusions: Common area damage

Homeowners Insurance

  • Covers: Entire property and land
  • Structure: Dwelling and outbuildings
  • Liability: Property and personal coverage
  • Additional Living: Full home coverage
  • Premium Range: $800-$2000+ annually
  • Common Exclusions: Maintenance issues

Provincial Insurance Requirements

Mandatory Requirements by Province

  • Ontario: No mandatory renters insurance, but recommended
  • British Columbia: Landlords can require renters insurance
  • Alberta: No mandate, but common lease requirement
  • Quebec: Specific tenant protection laws apply
  • Manitoba: Renters insurance highly recommended
  • Saskatchewan: Optional but often required by landlords

Common Landlord Requirements

  • Minimum Coverage: $100,000-$300,000 liability
  • Named Insured: Landlord as additional insured
  • Proof of Insurance: Certificate before move-in
  • Renewal Notice: 30-day advance notice required
  • Cancellation: Landlord notification required
  • Claims Process: Direct communication with tenant

Condo Insurance Special Considerations

🏢

Unit Boundaries

Understand what constitutes your unit vs. common property. Coverage typically starts at the walls in, but verify with your strata documents.

📋

Loss Assessment

Protection against special assessments charged by the strata for uninsured losses that exceed the corporation's insurance coverage.

🔧

Improvements

Coverage for renovations and upgrades you make to your unit that may not be included in the base strata coverage.

Explore Other Categories

Policy Basics Perils & Mitigation Inventory & Documentation Back to Home