Does renters insurance cover mold?

Q: Does renters insurance cover black mold?

Black mold is no different than other type of mold when it comes to renters insurance—you may be covered if the black mold was a result of a covered peril.

If the mold in your apartment or rental home is caused by a covered peril on your renters insurance policy, then your renters insurance company may pay to replace your belongings damaged from mold. Your insurer may also pay for mold remediation in that scenario, as well as lodging if you need to live elsewhere while the mold is removed. However, if the mold resulted from your negligence, then you typically won’t be covered. Mold caused by your landlord’s negligence means that your landlord may be liable for the cost of mold remediation and damage to your belongings.

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How renters insurance may cover mold

Renters insurance may cover mold damage when the mold was caused by a covered peril. For example, if a pipe bursts in your apartment and floods your living room which causes dampness and mold on your rug, personal property coverage may pay to replace the rug, up to the limits of your policy and minus any deductible.

If you’re forced to move out of your unit or rental house while the mold is being removed, renters insurance may pay for temporary housing such as a hotel stay through your policy’s loss of use coverage, up to your coverage limits. Loss of use coverage may also help pay for groceries, over and above what you normally spend, and other services while the mold is being remediated.

Learn more about how renters insurance works and what renters insurance covers.

Does renters insurance cover black mold?

Your renters policy typically won’t pay for a mold inspection. The cost for a mold inspection will usually come out of the pocket of your landlord or rental company.

Does renters insurance cover mold inspections?

Your renters policy typically won’t pay for a mold inspection. The cost for a mold inspection will usually come out of the pocket of your landlord or rental company.

When isn’t mold covered by renters insurance?

A renters insurance claim for mold damage typically won’t be covered if the mold resulted from neglect, such as a leaking shower head which caused water damage and, eventually, mold. Mold growth from rain due to not keeping your apartment window completely closed also generally won’t be covered.

In some cases, mold growth in your unit or rental house may be the fault of your landlord or rental company. If you notice mold after moving in, your renters insurance policy may not cover the damage or removal, but your landlord or rental company may be liable.

If your apartment or rental house is damaged from outside flooding that causes mold, your renters policy typically won’t cover the damage. Instead, you may need a separate flood insurance policy to protect your belongings against flood damage. Learn how flood insurance works and if renters are eligible for flood insurance.

Similarly, if a sewer line causes flooding to your residence which leads to mold, your renters insurance policy typically won’t cover the damage. Contact your landlord or rental office for issues resulting from a damaged sewer line.