Renters insurance may help cover mold damage if what initially caused the mold growth was a named peril, like a fire or a burst pipe.
Let’s take a look at some of the nuances of your renters insurance policy when it comes to unwanted fungus.
TL;DR
- Whether or not your policy covers mold damage depends on the cause of the mold.
- Mold damage to the physical structure of your rental—like the walls or ceilings—would be your landlord’s responsibility.
- If mold forces you to vacate your apartment for a period of time, your policy’s Loss of Use coverage may kick in.
- There are things you can do to get rid of mold yourself, but often it will require professional intervention.
When does renters insurance cover mold damage in your rental unit?
Renters insurance may occasionally cover mold damage, but it depends on your policy and what caused the mold to grow.
If the original catalyst for your mold problem was a “named peril” generally covered by renters insurance, then your policy might help.
For instance:
- If mold becomes an issue due to a burst pipe, water overflowing from your upstair’s neighbor’s bath, or water from a windstorm event, insurance may cover some costs.
- If there was a fire in your apartment that the fire department had to extinguish, leading to mold growth from the resulting water damage, that might also be covered.
However, mold damage would only be potentially covered if it affects your personal property— like furniture, clothing, or electronics. In many cases, it will be possible to clean that property.
When doesn’t renters insurance cover mold in your rental unit?
In the majority of cases, mold in your rental apartment will not be covered by your renters insurance policy.
- If the mold came about due to neglect or unresolved maintenance issues—like a leaky window—coverage is unlikely.
- Standard renters insurance often excludes flood damage, so mold resulting from flooding would not be covered without a separate flood insurance policy.
- If mold developed in your air conditioner, or due to excess moisture in a poorly ventilated bathroom, it wouldn’t be covered.
Also, a mold infestation in your apartment’s walls or ceilings involves the physical structure of your apartment—which is your landlord’s responsibility, not your own.
How much are you covered for when it comes to mold damage?
If your valuables or property is damaged by mold—and if that mold was caused by a covered peril—you’d be covered up to your personal property coverage limit.
Say your renters insurance policy has $10,000 in personal property coverage. That means that if your mold-related claim was approved, you’d be eligible for up to $10,000 in compensation (after you’ve paid your deductible).
Would renters insurance help if I have to leave my apartment due to mold?
If the mold in your apartment came about due to a covered peril, as discussed above, then your renters insurance policy’s Loss of Use coverage might kick in if you have to leave your rental for a few days.
This would help you cover additional living expenses (like a hotel stay, laundry, or food), above and beyond what you normally spend while at home. If your monthly rent is $1,000, and a hotel for the month costs $1,700, you’d be able to claim the $700 difference.
In most states, your policy deductible would apply to Loss of Use claims.
Why renters insurance is vital
While renters insurance won’t cover mold damage in all cases, it’s still an important (and affordable) safety net that’ll help protect you and your valuable stuff against things like fire, certain water damage, theft, and much more.
In addition to all that personal property coverage, you’ll enjoy liability coverage that’ll come in handy if you accidentally damage someone’s stuff, or if someone gets hurt at your apartment.
You can compare renters insurance companies and renters insurance quotes online, or start right now by getting your 100% digital quote from Lemonade.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
