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// LANDLORD INSURANCE
Landlord Insurance in Baton Rouge
Owning rental property in Louisiana comes with risks that most homeowners policies won't touch. Hurricanes, tenant liability, months of lost rental income after a storm. Your standard policy doesn't cover a property you don't live in. A landlord policy is built specifically for that gap.
Why Landlords Need Separate Coverage
Your regular homeowners policy won't cover a property you rent out. If a tenant's guest slips on the stairs and gets hurt, if a storm rips off the roof and the unit sits empty for three months, if a kitchen fire destroys half the house, you need a policy that's built for rental properties. A homeowners claim on a non-owner-occupied property can be denied outright.
Baton Rouge has a strong rental market, especially near LSU, BRCC, and along Airline Highway. Single-family rentals, duplexes, and small multi-unit properties are everywhere in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston parishes. Each one needs its own landlord policy with the right limits.
And it's not just about protecting the building. If your rental sits vacant after a covered loss, you're still paying the mortgage, taxes, and insurance on a property that isn't producing income. A landlord policy can replace that lost rent while repairs are being made. That's coverage a homeowners policy simply doesn't offer.
// WHAT'S COVERED
What Your Landlord Policy Covers
Dwelling & Structure
Covers the physical structure of your rental property against fire, wind, hail, lightning, and other covered perils. This includes the roof, walls, foundation, and attached structures like a porch or built-in garage.
Loss of Rental Income
If a covered event like a fire or storm makes your rental uninhabitable, this coverage replaces the rent you lose while the property is being repaired. Most policies cover up to 12 months of lost income.
Liability Protection
Can help cover legal fees and medical bills if a tenant or visitor is injured on your rental property and you're found liable. As a property owner, you can be sued for injuries that happen on the premises, and defense costs alone add up fast.
Personal Property at the Rental
Covers appliances, tools, and equipment you keep at the rental property, like a washer/dryer, refrigerator, or lawn mower. Your tenant's personal belongings are not covered by your landlord policy.
Medical Payments
Covers smaller medical bills for people injured on your rental property, regardless of fault. This helps settle minor incidents quickly before they turn into lawsuits.
Other Structures
Covers detached structures on your rental property like a separate garage, storage shed, or fence. If a storm knocks down the fence or a tree falls on the detached carport, this coverage can help pay to repair or replace it.
Why Baton Rouge Landlords Work with Chabert
We're an independent agency on Sherwood Forest Blvd in Baton Rouge. That means we don't work for one insurance company. We work for you. Not every carrier writes landlord policies, and the ones that do price them very differently depending on the property type, location, and number of units. We can compare landlord policies from multiple carriers and show you the options side by side.
We know the rental market in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston parishes. We know which properties are in flood zones, which carriers are writing rental properties in Denham Springs vs. Prairieville, and how hurricane deductibles work on investment properties. That local knowledge matters when you're trying to get the right coverage without overpaying.
If you own the home you live in plus a rental property, we can often bundle your personal homeowners, auto, and landlord policies together. Multi-policy discounts can add up fast when you're insuring multiple properties and vehicles.
And when something goes wrong at your rental, like storm damage or a break-in between tenants, your carrier's claims line is the fastest first step. But if you have questions about what's covered, need help understanding what the adjuster is telling you, or just want to talk it through with someone local, call us at (225) 395-4000. We're here to help.
Get Your Landlord Insurance Quote
Or call (225) 395-4000 to talk to a local agent.
// RATE FACTORS
What Affects Your Landlord Insurance Rate
Several factors determine how much you'll pay for landlord insurance in Baton Rouge:
Property type and age
A newer single-family rental costs less to insure than a 50-year-old duplex. Older properties have older roofs, older wiring, and older plumbing, all of which increase risk.
Construction material
Brick and concrete block homes are cheaper to insure than frame construction because they hold up better against wind and fire.
Number of units
A single-family rental is straightforward. Duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes cost more because there's more square footage, more tenants, and more liability exposure.
Distance from a fire station
Properties closer to a fire station and fire hydrant get better rates. Rural rentals outside city limits can pay significantly more.
Claims history
Previous claims on the property show up in CLUE reports. A property with multiple past claims will cost more to insure, even under a new owner.
Tenant screening requirements
Some carriers offer discounts if you run background and credit checks on tenants. Others require it. Either way, screening reduces risk and can lower your premium.
Coverage limits
Higher dwelling limits and liability limits cost more, but they protect you better. If your rental property is worth $250,000 and you only insure it for $150,000, you're taking on a big gap. Consider umbrella insurance for extra liability protection beyond your landlord policy limits.
Landlord Insurance FAQ
They cover different situations. Homeowners insurance is built for the home you live in. If you rent out a property and try to file a claim under a homeowners policy, the carrier can deny it because the property isn't owner-occupied. A landlord policy is designed specifically for rental properties. It includes things like loss of rental income that homeowners policies don't offer. If you own both a personal home and a rental, you need separate policies for each. Our guide on how to choose homeowners insurance in Louisiana breaks down the differences.
Landlord insurance in Louisiana typically costs 15-25% more than a comparable homeowners policy because rental properties carry higher risk. Your exact premium depends on the property's age, construction, location, number of units, and claims history. For a typical single-family rental in the Baton Rouge area, expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 per year. We compare rates from multiple carriers to find the best price for your situation. For a broader look at home insurance pricing, see our article on home insurance costs in Louisiana.
No. Your landlord policy covers the building itself and any personal property you keep at the rental, like appliances or maintenance equipment. Your tenant's personal belongings are their responsibility. That's why many landlords require tenants to carry their own renters insurance. It protects the tenant and reduces the chance of disputes after a loss. Our article on what renters insurance covers explains what tenants get with their own policy.
No. Like homeowners insurance, landlord insurance does not cover flood damage. In Louisiana, where flooding is a serious risk for any property, you'll want a separate flood policy on your rental. This is true whether you're in a high-risk zone or not. We can quote flood coverage for rental properties through both NFIP and private carriers. Read more in our guide on whether you need flood insurance in Louisiana.
Most landlord policies have a vacancy clause, typically 30-60 days. If your property sits empty longer than that, certain coverages like vandalism and water damage may be excluded or limited. If you expect a longer vacancy, let us know so we can make sure your policy accounts for it. In some cases, a separate vacant home insurance policy may be the better option until you find a new tenant.
Call your carrier's claims line first to get the process started. Document the damage with photos, and if there was a break-in or vandalism, file a police report. If you have questions about what's covered, need help understanding what the adjuster is telling you, or want someone in your corner, call us at (225) 395-4000. We can walk you through it and make sure nothing gets missed.
Still have questions? Call (225) 395-4000 or get your free quote.
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Related Coverage
If you own a property that isn't rented out but also isn't your primary home, like a property under renovation or sitting between sales, take a look at dwelling fire insurance. For the home you actually live in, you'll want a separate homeowners insurance policy. Keep in mind that your tenants don't have flood coverage through your landlord policy, and neither does the building itself. A separate flood insurance policy is the only way to cover flood damage in Louisiana. And if you want extra liability protection beyond what your landlord policy provides, umbrella insurance can extend your coverage by $1 million or more.
Let's Protect Your Rental Investment
Or call us directly: (225) 395-4000