If you have a renter’s insurance policy for the apartment you rent in Lufkin Texas, you are covered for some of the same things as a homeowner would be covered for under a home insurance policy. As renter, you do not own the building or apartment in which you live.
As a tenant, you do not have the same responsibilities as homeowners have for insuring their property. Your personal possessions are not covered by your landlord’s insurance policy and your landlord’s insurance will not protect you against personal liability claims that may occur within the walls of your apartment.
When you first rent an apartment, the landlord is always very nice and friendly. When it comes time to move out and you ask for your security deposit back, your landlord may not be so friendly. If your landlord claims that you have damaged the apartment and decides to withhold some of your security deposit, you can not file a claim with your renter’s policy to recover the amount of money you lost.
As a renter, your renter’s policy covers all of your personal possessions. It does not cover a hole you put in the wall or the stains you left on the carpet. Your landlord has a right to withhold some or all of your security deposit as long as he can prove that the damage was caused by you or other people you allowed into the apartment.
Of course you have the right to challenge his decision to keep your security deposit. You could take him to Texas small claims court if you believe he had no reason to keep some of your money. Both you and your landlord must abide by the terms of the rental agreement or lease. It will usually state the reasons that could result in forfeiture of all or some of your security deposit.
As your independent agent here in Lufkin, Texas, we encourage all people who rent to carry insurance to protect their personal possessions. While you might not realize it, the average renter owns personal property that could easily cost more than $10,000 to replace.
Please give us a call and an independent agent can show you how for less than $20 per month, you can have the insurance coverage you need. Renters insurance can cover your personal possessions, provide liability coverage and even pay for temporary housing in an emergency situation.