 TITLE: Does Renters Insurance Require a Credit Check? CONTENT: What Is Renters Insurance?\n--------------------------\nLandlords have their own insurance to protect the unit you live in, but that insurance won't cover loss of your personal property due to fire, theft or disaster. To protect the cost of your belongings, you'll need renters insurance, which generally covers the following:\n*   **Property**: Renters insurance pays to replace your personal belongings if they're stolen or damaged by a covered risk, such as a fire, windstorm or water damage from an overflowing bathtub. In most cases, renters insurance doesn't cover damage due to flood or earthquake; you'll have to buy separate policies for that. If you want to insure certain costly items, like a coin collection, valuable art or expensive jewelry, you may need to buy a separate rider.\n*   **Liability**: If a visitor to your rental unit is injured on the property, renters insurance can cover their medical costs, as well as your legal costs if they sue you. Renters insurance may also cover costs if a member of your household damages another tenant's property.\n*   **Loss of use**: If your rental property is unlivable due to a covered risk—for example, a fire that burned your apartment—renters insurance pays your living expenses while the unit is being repaired.\nYou aren't legally required to get renters insurance, but some landlords make it a condition of your lease. Check your lease to see if your landlord mandates rental insurance for tenants. END