Landlord Insurance in WA: Do You Need It & What Does It Cover?
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Do You Need Landlord Insurance?
Yes — even with reliable tenants and professional property management, there are risks you can’t control. Landlord insurance protects your investment from tenant damage, rent default, legal liability, and loss of rent caused by unexpected events like fire or storm damage.
Your standard home insurance policy won’t cover you for tenant-related losses. A dedicated landlord policy ensures you’re protected financially — and it’s completely tax deductible as a property expense.
What Landlord Insurance Typically Covers
- Loss of rent – covers rent you can’t collect due to default or damage rendering the property uninhabitable.
- Tenant damage – accidental or malicious damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Liability protection – if someone is injured on your property and you’re found legally responsible.
- Contents (optional) – if the property is furnished or includes owner-supplied appliances.
- Legal costs – for eviction or recovery proceedings in eligible cases.
- Natural disasters – storm, fire, or flood damage (check the fine print — not all policies include flood).
What It Doesn’t Cover
- Normal wear and tear or gradual deterioration.
- Damage caused by negligence or lack of maintenance.
- Tenant’s personal belongings (they need their own contents cover).
- Unapproved building works or structural changes.
- Losses from unreported issues or delayed repairs.
LAND LORDS INSURANCE AND BUILDING INSURANCE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS WITH TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF COVERAGE. both are recommended!
Recommended Landlord Insurers in Western Australia
At Mandurah City Real Estate, we recommend two specialist landlord insurance providers known for reliability, fast claims, and clear cover:
- Property Insurance People – a dedicated WA-based landlord insurer offering strong rent default and tenant damage protection. They work closely with property managers and offer tailored coverage for individual investors and portfolios.
- EBM RentCover – one of Australia’s longest-running specialist landlord insurers. Their RentCover Ultra and RentCover Platinum policies include tenant damage, loss of rent, and liability cover, with excellent claims response times.
Both options are trusted by professional property managers across WA, including our team here at MCRE.
How Much Does Landlord Insurance Cost?
Landlord insurance in Western Australia is surprisingly affordable — typically $300 to $400 per year for most residential properties. The cost varies depending on location, building value, and level of cover, but in nearly all cases it’s tax deductible as a legitimate investment expense.
For the peace of mind it provides — protection against thousands in potential losses — it’s one of the most cost-effective insurances an investor can hold.
Tips for Getting the Right Cover
- Review policies annually. Make sure cover still fits your property’s current rent and condition.
- Check exclusions carefully. Look for rent default limits, inspection frequency clauses, and flood cover specifics.
- Keep inspection and maintenance reports. Insurers may request these when processing claims.
- Bundle policies where possible. Some insurers offer multi-property or combined discounts.
- Always disclose changes. Adding a granny flat or subletting may affect your coverage.
Landlord Insurance FAQs
Is landlord insurance mandatory in WA?
Does landlord insurance cover unpaid rent?
Can I claim it on tax?
Do I need landlord insurance if I have a property manager?
Protect Your Investment Properly
Our property management team can help you set up or review your landlord insurance through trusted providers like Property Insurance People and EBM RentCover. We’ll ensure your cover suits your property and rental strategy.
Contact Mandurah City Real Estate to review your policy or get a free rental appraisal today.
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