In the concrete jungle of New York City, where apartment living reigns supreme, renters are often looking to make their temporary spaces feel more like home. Maybe you dream of putting up those floating shelves, changing your kitchen’s backsplash, or look forward to painting over that unappealing wall color your landlord slapped on.
But before you break out the power tools or paintbrushes, there’s an important question to consider: Does my renters insurance cover the damage I may cause during my DIY renovation projects (if any)?
The Short Answer: Mostly No
A standard renters insurance policy in NYC may cover your personal belongings against theft, fire, and certain types of water damage, but it does not cover renovations gone wrong or improvements made to a property you do not own.
Here’s what renters in New York City should know about renovations and insurance:
What Renters Insurance Actually Covers
Your policy generally provides three types of coverage:
- Personal property coverage – protection for your valuables.
- Liability coverage – protection in case of injuries that occur in your apartment.
- Additional living expenses (if your apartment becomes uninhabitable)
Notice what’s missing? Coverage for the actual structure or any improvements you make to it.
The Landlord’s Responsibility
In New York City, the building structure is your landlord’s responsibility. Their insurance takes care of the walls, floors, ceilings, and any built-in fixtures. This explains why most NYC leases are very specific about the changes you can make and often demand landlord consent beforehand.
