Washington State Specialists

Apartment BuildingInsurance for WA Landlords

Q: What insurance does a Washington apartment building owner need?

Washington apartment owners typically need building property coverage, landlord liability, loss of rental income, umbrella coverage, and may need flood or earthquake endorsements depending on location.

Q: How much does apartment building insurance cost in Washington?

Costs vary based on building size, age, location, construction type, and number of units. A small 4-unit building may start around $150-250/month, while larger complexes cost significantly more.

Protecting rental property investments requires specialized coverage that standard policies don't provide. Our team works with Washington landlords to build comprehensive insurance programs that protect your buildings, your income, and your personal assets.

425-209-1206

Coverage placed with top-rated carriers

TravelersHartfordLiberty MutualNationwideCNAAmTrust

Risks Landlords Face in Washington

Apartment building owners face a unique combination of property, liability, and regulatory exposures. Understanding these risks is the first step toward building the right coverage program.

Water Damage & Pipe Failures

The #1 claim for apartment buildings—a single burst pipe can damage multiple units and cost tens of thousands

Tenant & Visitor Injuries

Slip-and-fall accidents in common areas, stairwells, parking lots, and walkways create significant liability

Fire & Catastrophic Loss

A fire in one unit can spread to the entire building, destroying your investment and displacing all tenants

Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Wrongful eviction claims, habitability lawsuits, and discrimination allegations are increasingly common

Modern apartment building in Washington State

Coverage Solutions

Comprehensive Landlord Protection

We help apartment owners build layered coverage programs that protect the building, the income stream, and personal assets.

Building Property Coverage

Comprehensive coverage for your apartment building structure, mechanical systems, and common areas. Protects against fire, wind, water damage, vandalism, and more.

Building structure

Common areas & hallways

HVAC & plumbing systems

Roofing & exterior

Building ordinance

Equipment breakdown

Request a Coverage Review

Get a complimentary review of your current landlord insurance to identify gaps and potential savings opportunities.

Property Types

We Insure All Rental Properties

From duplexes to large apartment complexes, we tailor coverage to your specific property type and investment strategy.

Duplexes & Triplexes

Small multifamily properties with 2-4 units. Often owner-occupied with unique coverage needs that blend residential and commercial insurance.

Small Apartment Buildings

5-20 unit buildings that require full commercial property and liability coverage. The backbone of Washington's rental housing market.

Large Apartment Complexes

20+ unit properties and multi-building communities. Complex insurance programs with higher limits, umbrella coverage, and specialized endorsements.

Our Process

How We Work with Landlords

We take a consultative approach, understanding your portfolio before recommending coverage solutions.

Property Assessment

Evaluate building age, construction, location, unit count, and current insurance to understand your exposure.

Risk Analysis

Identify key risks including water damage, liability, natural disasters, and loss of rental income scenarios.

Coverage Design

Build a tailored insurance program with the right limits, deductibles, and endorsements for your situation.

Market Shopping

Access multiple A-rated carriers to find the best combination of coverage breadth and premium cost.

Policy Review

Walk through every coverage, exclusion, and condition so you know exactly what you're buying.

Ongoing Management

Annual reviews, certificate issuance for lenders, and claims support when you need it.

Real-World Examples

Common Landlord Claims

Understanding how claims occur helps landlords prepare and ensure they carry adequate coverage.

Property Claim

Burst Pipe Floods Three Units

A frozen pipe bursts in a second-floor unit, causing water damage to that unit and two units below. Drywall, flooring, and tenant belongings are destroyed. Total repair cost exceeds $85,000.

Key Takeaway

Building property coverage handles structural repairs. Tenants' renters insurance covers their belongings—require it in every lease.

Catastrophic Loss

Kitchen Fire Displaces 12 Tenants

A kitchen fire spreads through the building, making 8 units uninhabitable for 4 months during repairs. Building damage totals $320,000 and you lose $48,000 in rental income.

Key Takeaway

Loss of rents coverage replaces your income during the repair period, keeping your mortgage and expenses paid.

Liability Claim

Tenant Falls on Icy Stairs

A tenant slips on icy exterior stairs and suffers a spinal injury. Medical bills reach $400,000 and the tenant sues for negligent maintenance.

Key Takeaway

Landlord liability coverage plus umbrella insurance protects against catastrophic injury claims that exceed standard limits.

Legal Claim

Wrongful Eviction Lawsuit

A former tenant files a wrongful eviction lawsuit claiming discrimination. Legal defense costs reach $35,000 even though the claim is ultimately dismissed.

Key Takeaway

Landlord liability policies with personal injury coverage help pay legal defense costs for wrongful eviction and discrimination claims.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance does a Washington apartment building owner need?

At minimum, you need building property coverage, landlord liability insurance, and loss of rental income protection. Most landlords should also carry umbrella coverage for additional liability limits. Depending on location, you may need earthquake or flood endorsements.

How much does apartment building insurance cost in Washington?

Costs depend on building size, age, construction type, location, and number of units. A small 4-unit building might cost $150-300/month, while a 20-unit complex could run $500-1,500/month. We shop multiple carriers to find the best rate for your property.

Does landlord insurance cover tenant damage?

Landlord property coverage generally covers sudden and accidental damage, including damage caused by tenants. However, it typically does not cover normal wear and tear or intentional destruction. A security deposit and required renters insurance help fill this gap.

Should I require tenants to carry renters insurance?

Yes. Requiring renters insurance protects both you and your tenants. It covers tenant belongings (which your policy doesn't), provides tenant liability coverage, and reduces the likelihood that tenants will file claims against your policy for their own losses.

Do I need earthquake insurance for my apartment building?

Standard landlord policies exclude earthquake damage. Given Washington's seismic risk—particularly in the Puget Sound region—earthquake coverage is strongly recommended for apartment buildings. The cost depends on building construction and proximity to fault lines.

What is loss of rents coverage and do I need it?

Loss of rents coverage replaces your rental income when a covered event (fire, water damage, etc.) makes units uninhabitable during repairs. For most landlords, this is essential—without it, you're still paying the mortgage with no rent coming in.

Protect Your Rental Investment

Schedule a complimentary coverage review with our landlord insurance specialists. We'll review your current coverage, identify gaps, and find the best rates from our carrier network.

No-obligation consultation

Multi-carrier quotes

Same-day certificates

425-209-1206

Serving apartment owners throughout Washington State including Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, and surrounding areas.