Is landlord insurance required in Maryland?

Not by state law, but lenders on mortgaged rental properties typically require property insurance. Leases may address insurance obligations.

How is landlord insurance different from homeowners insurance?

Homeowners policies are for owner-occupied homes. Rental properties often need a landlord or dwelling policy that accounts for tenant occupancy and loss-of-rent coverage.

Does landlord insurance cover tenant belongings?

No. Tenants' personal property is generally covered by renters insurance, not the landlord's policy.

Does landlord insurance cover flood damage?

Standard property policies typically exclude flood. Separate flood insurance may be needed for flood-prone rental properties along the Chesapeake Bay or Eastern Shore.

Maryland Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance for Maryland rental property owners, including how coverage differs from homeowners and renters policies.

Written by: US Insurance Guide Editorial Team · Insurance Content Editor

Reviewed by: US Insurance Guide Review Team · Insurance education content

Last updated: June 19, 2026
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Sources reviewed: Maryland Insurance Administration

Overview

Landlord insurance (often a dwelling fire or rental property policy) is designed for properties you own but rent to tenants. A standard homeowners policy may not adequately cover a rental property.

This page is a general overview. A licensed agent can help you match coverage to your property type and lease structure.

Coverage Options to Consider

Dwelling coverage — the rental structure against covered perils.

Loss of rent — income lost when the property is uninhabitable after a covered loss.

Landlord liability — injuries or damage linked to the property you own.

Not tenant belongings — tenants may need their own renters insurance.

Optional umbrella or flood coverage may be worth discussing separately — especially for coastal and Eastern Shore rentals.

State Requirements & Regulations

Maryland does not mandate landlord insurance by statute. Mortgage lenders on rental properties typically require property coverage.

Landlord-tenant insurance obligations may also appear in lease agreements. Insurers are regulated by the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Factors That May Affect Your Premium

Property location, age, construction, number of units, occupancy type, claims history, coverage limits, and whether the property is short-term vs long-term rental may affect premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is landlord insurance required in Maryland?: Not by state law, but lenders on mortgaged rental properties typically require property insurance. Leases may address insurance obligations.
How is landlord insurance different from homeowners insurance?: Homeowners policies are for owner-occupied homes. Rental properties often need a landlord or dwelling policy that accounts for tenant occupancy and loss-of-rent coverage.
Does landlord insurance cover tenant belongings?: No. Tenants' personal property is generally covered by renters insurance, not the landlord's policy.
Does landlord insurance cover flood damage?: Standard property policies typically exclude flood. Separate flood insurance may be needed for flood-prone rental properties along the Chesapeake Bay or Eastern Shore.

Sources & References

Maryland Insurance Administration — Maryland Insurance Administration
Maryland Insurance Administration — Homeowners Insurance — Maryland Insurance Administration

Public insurance case files

Insurance in the real world

Public records and regulatory reports can show how insurance rules affect actual consumers. These files are not customer testimonials.

Maryland · Public record

More than $70 million in 2025

Reported consumer recoveries

How Maryland insurance complaints can produce real consumer recoveries

The Maryland Insurance Administration reported that it recovered more than $70 million for Maryland consumers in 2025 by helping resolve insurance complaints and related issues. The figure covers many complaints across several agency units and does not predict any individual's result.

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Source: Maryland Insurance Administration · January 29, 2026

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