Full-protection landlord insurance.
Comprehensive coverage built for rental property owners.
Why do I need landlord insurance in Massachusetts?
Landlord insurance, also commonly referred to as a Dwelling or Dwelling Fire (DP-3) policy, is designed to protect your rental property and financial assets from risks unique to leasing residential units.
While not required by Massachusetts law, most mortgage lenders mandate this coverage before financing a rental property. Standard homeowners policies do not cover properties occupied by tenants, leaving you exposed to severe financial loss if a disaster occurs.
Finding the right coverage at the right price shouldn't be complicated. At Nobile, we make it easy to get coverage that works for you.
What is covered by a landlord policy
Last updated May 2026
A landlord insurance policy typically includes several types of coverage that work together to protect your rental property:
Property Damage
Pays to repair or replace the physical structure of your building if it is damaged by fire, wind, explosion, or severe weather.
Liability Protection
Covers medical bills or legal defense if a tenant or guest is injured on your property and you are found at fault.
Loss of Rental Income
Reimburses your lost rental income if a covered disaster makes the unit temporarily uninhabitable. This coverage does not apply if a tenant loses their job.
Landlord Equipment
Protects appliances, lawnmowers, and maintenance tools stored on the property.
Important to note: Theft of tenant personal items is not typically covered by landlord insurance policies.
What is not covered by a landlord policy
Last updated May 2026 | Some information sourced from Progressive
A landlord policy usually doesn’t cover the following:
Tenant Personal Property
Personal property owned by your renters requires separate renters insurance.
Maintenance Issues
Standard policies do not cover gradual wear and tear, mold, or pest damage.
Natural Disasters
Certain natural disasters like floods and earthquakes are typically excluded from a standard landlord policy and require separate coverage.
Tenant Vandalism
Intentional property destruction or malicious damage caused by occupants.
Loss of Rental Income Due to Job Loss
Loss of rental income coverage only applies when a covered event, like a fire or severe storm, makes your unit temporarily uninhabitable. It does not apply if a tenant loses their job, stops paying rent, or vacates unexpectedly.
Some carriers may offer an endorsement or add-on coverage for rent reimbursement.
Eviction
The legal costs of removing a tenant, including court filing fees, attorney fees, and any associated expenses, are not covered by a standard landlord policy.
Some carriers may offer an endorsement or separate coverage for eviction expenses.
Massachusetts-specific risks and rules
Last updated May 2026
Massachusetts is one of the most tenant-friendly states in the country, and that creates real exposure for landlords beyond just property damage.
The state's landlord-tenant laws impose strict requirements around security deposits, habitability, and eviction procedures. Violating security deposit rules, for example, can result in treble damages, meaning a court can award your tenant three times the amount owed. That kind of liability exposure makes strong liability coverage essential, not optional.
A few things Massachusetts landlords specifically need to know:
Weather risk is serious.
Nor'easters, ice storms, and heavy snowfall are a consistent threat. Winter weather accounts for a significant portion of all property damage claims landlords face in Massachusetts, and burst pipes and roof damage from ice accumulation are among the most common.
Flood insurance is separate.
Flood insurance is not included in a standard landlord policy and must be purchased separately, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If your property is in a coastal or flood-prone area, your lender may require it.
Tenants can request your insurance information.
Under Massachusetts law, tenants have the right to request information about your landlord policy in writing, and you are required to respond within 15 days with the name of your insurer, the coverage amount, and who would receive payment in the event of a loss.
Who needs landlord insurance in Mass?
If you own a residential property and rent it out to tenants, you need landlord insurance. Your standard homeowners policy will not cover it once a tenant moves in.
In Massachusetts, this includes a wide range of property owners:
Triple-decker and multi-family owners
Single-family home landlords
Condo unit owners renting out their unit
Investors with multiple rental properties
Homeowners renting out a former primary residence
Landlords with short-term or seasonal rentals
Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of renter-occupied housing in the country, and the state's strict landlord-tenant laws mean your liability exposure is real regardless of property type or size. Whether you own one unit or ten, the right policy protects your investment, your income, and your assets.
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Here’s how it works.
Fill out a smart form.
On our free quote page, select a smart form option and we'll review your coverage and premium to improve or adjust it based on your needs. This lets us check for discounts and quickly compare rates across our carriers to find you the best price.
No policy? No problem. Just select "No" when asked and we'll get started.
We'll match you with a carrier.
We'll pair you with a carrier that offers the best combination of protection, price, and reliability. After we find the right fit, we'll send over a quick application for you to review and sign.
You're all set.
Once your application is complete, you'll receive proof of coverage and be fully insured. From there, we'll always be around to help with policy updates, claims, and anything else that comes up.
Already insured? No problem. We’ll review your coverage and compare rates to find you the best price.
Quotes are 100% free. No payment upfront needed.
Landlord (Dwelling Fire) Insurance FAQs
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There are a few ways to bring your premium down.
First, raising your deductible is one of the most direct ways. A higher deductible means a lower premium, just make sure it is an amount you could comfortably cover out of pocket if you needed to.
Bundling your landlord policy with another policy like home or auto through the same carrier can also qualify you for a multi-policy discount.
Also, screening tenants carefully, keeping up with property maintenance, and staying claims-free over time all work in your favor at renewal.
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It depends on the type of damage.
Accidental damage to the structure of your property is generally covered. Intentional destruction or malicious damage caused by a tenant is typically excluded from a standard policy.
If tenant vandalism is a concern, ask us about whether an endorsement is available through your carrier.
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No. Standard homeowners policies are designed for owner-occupied properties.
Once tenants move in, your exposure changes and your homeowners policy generally will not cover tenant-related damage, liability claims, or loss of rental income. You need a separate landlord policy.
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Not typically. Landlord insurance, also known as a dwelling fire policy, is designed for non-owner-occupied properties.
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Premiums vary based on location, property type, coverage limits, and your claims history.
Properties in Boston tend to run higher than properties in smaller cities or suburbs. The best way to get an accurate number is to get a quote. We’ll compare rates across our carriers and find you the best price.
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DP-3, or Dwelling Fire Form 3, is the most comprehensive type of landlord insurance policy and the one most commonly written for rental properties in Massachusetts.
It’s an open perils policy, meaning your property is covered against all causes of loss except those specifically excluded in the policy.
That’s a much broader level of protection than a named perils policy, which only covers events explicitly listed.
The main things a DP-3 covers are the dwelling structure itself, other structures on the property like detached garages or sheds, landlord-owned equipment and appliances, loss of rental income from a covered event, and personal liability.
If you own a rental property in Massachusetts, a DP-3 is almost certainly the right form.
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Not automatically. Standard landlord policies are written for long-term tenants, and many carriers will limit or exclude coverage once a property is used for short-term rentals.
In Massachusetts, short-term rental hosts are required by state law to carry specific insurance coverage for their property.