Dwelling Fire (Landlord) Insurance 

Landlord Insurance for California Rental Properties

If you own a rental property in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, you need coverage that’s built for landlords—not just homeowners. Dwelling fire insurance (often referred to as landlord insurance) is designed for non-owner occupied homes, condos, or multi-units you rent to others.


Whether you're renting out a single-family home in Van Nuys or a duplex near USC, Derian Insurance helps California landlords get the right protection for their investment.

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How a Dwelling Fire Policy Protects Your Rental

A dwelling fire policy—typically written as DP1, DP2, or DP3—is not just about fire. It offers protection for the structure itself, your liability as a landlord, and even lost rental income if a tenant can’t occupy the home due to a covered loss.


Most policies include:

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Dwelling coverage

Covers the building from damage caused by events like fire, wind, vandalism, or tenant-caused accidents (depending on form type).

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Landlord liability coverage

If a tenant or visitor is injured and claims you're responsible, this covers legal costs and settlements.

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Loss of rental income

If your rental becomes uninhabitable after a covered event, this reimburses your lost rent.

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Limited personal property

Covers items you own and provide, like appliances, fixtures, or furnishings (not the tenant’s belongings).

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Medical payments to others

Small coverage for minor injuries on the property without litigation.

Unlike homeowners insurance, these policies are written for non-owner occupied homes and do not cover the tenant’s personal items. That’s why we recommend requiring renters insurance from tenants to fully protect the residence and the people inside it.

Why Landlords Choose Derian for Rental Property Insurance

Owning a rental property in Los Angeles comes with enough variables—coverage confusion shouldn’t be one of them. At Derian Insurance, we’ve worked with countless landlords across California and understand how to tailor policies for every type of rental.


Here’s what we bring to the table:

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Expertise with rental dwellings

From single-family homes in Mar Vista to rental condos in Sherman Oaks, we’ve seen it all.

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Clear guidance on coverage types

We’ll explain the difference between DP1 and DP3, and help you avoid gaps like vandalism by tenants (which some policies exclude).

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Support between tenants

Need to switch to a vacant building policy? We’ll make sure there’s no lapse in coverage.

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Bundling opportunities

If you own multiple rental units or also need umbrella insurance, we can package policies for better value.

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Hands-on advice

We’ll help make sure liability limits match your exposure, especially if you own the property under an LLC or trust.

FAQs – Dwelling Fire & Landlord Insurance

  • Do I need dwelling fire insurance for a short-term rental or Airbnb?

    If you frequently rent your home short-term, a standard homeowners policy might not cover damage or liability. Let’s talk about specialty or landlord coverage options for vacation rentals.

  • Does landlord insurance cover damage caused by tenants?

    Unintentional damage may be covered under your property coverage, but intentional damage (like vandalism by a tenant) is often excluded unless specifically added. We can help review your options.

  • How much does landlord insurance cost in Los Angeles?

    It varies based on location, age of property, construction, and coverage limits. Generally, it’s slightly higher than homeowners insurance because of increased risk. We shop multiple carriers to find your best rate.

  • Can I insure my condo rental with a dwelling fire policy?

    Yes—if you rent out a condo, you’ll need a policy that covers the interior unit and landlord liability. We coordinate with your HOA’s master policy to ensure no overlap or gaps.

  • Do my tenants need renters insurance?

    We strongly recommend it. Renters insurance covers their personal belongings and liability, and it may prevent disputes in case of claims. Many landlords require it in the lease.

Get Coverage Built for California Landlords

If you’re renting out a property in Los Angeles—whether it's a Craftsman in Highland Park or a condo in Century City—you need protection that works when you’re not the one living there. Derian Insurance makes landlord coverage simple.



Request a quote or policy review today and let us help you find the right policy for your California rental.