I AM A TENANT 
Tenant Insurance
Protect yourself and your belongings – Your Insurance Fees May Be Covered.
Tenant Insurance Is Mandatory For All New And Transferred Tenants.
Without tenant insurance, you could lose thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
Tenant insurance helps cover the cost of your belongings if they are damaged, lost, or stolen – and helps you if you have to move out or accidentally cause damage.
Your Insurance Fees May Be Covered
You might be able to include your insurance fees as part of your shelter allowance under Ontario Works (OW) benefits or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Speak to your caseworker for more details.
What Does Tenant Insurance Protect?
Tenant insurance can help with:
Fire
If there is a fire and your belongings get damaged.
Flood or Water Damage
If there is water damage from a broken pipe or storm.
Theft
If someone breaks into your home and your belongings are stolen.
Liability
If someone gets hurt at your home or you accidentally damage someone else’s belongings.
What Happens if You DO NOT Have Tenant Insurance?
Without tenant insurance, you will be responsible for:
Replacing your belongings
This could cost you thousands of dollars.
Paying your rent
Even if repairs prevent you from staying in your home.
Temporary housing expenses
You may need to pay for a hotel if you cannot live in your home.
Legal liability
You can be sued by neighbours and by OCH for damages, even if it was an accident.
Common Myths
(And The Truth)
“The landlord’s insurance will cover everything.”
OCH’s insurance covers the building, not your belongings. Without tenant insurance, you risk losing your items and may have no place to stay during repairs. If you are found responsible for the damage, OCH will not provide another home while repairs are underway.
“My neighborhood is safe – I do not need insurance.”
Accidents still happen. Fires, floods, or damage can occur anywhere.
“I don’t own anything valuable.”
Even if it doesn’t feel like much, replacing everyday items like your clothes, bed, kitchenware, and electronics can still cost thousands of dollars. Insurance helps you recover without the financial burden.
If you have insurance, depending on your type of policy, you can get help to:
- Replace lost or damaged belongings.
- Pay for temporary housing while your home is being restored.
- Cover extra costs like moving or storing your personal effects, or food if you must stay somewhere else.
Tenant insurance is affordable and easy to get.
You can:
- Contact any insurance company
- Or sign up through the Housing Services Corporation (HSC), an affordable coverage designed for community housing tenants:
- Visit the HSC Tenant Insurance‘s website
- Call the HSC at 1-866-940-5111
If you have questions, contact your local Tenant Service Centre or speak to your Property Manager. We are here to help.
More Information
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) can answer questions about tenant insurance, however they do not provide any quotes for insurance.
For more information, e-mail consumercentre@ibc.ca,
or call 1-800-387-2880.
Insurance Canada has great information about what you should know before buying insurance, and their website provides a directory of insurance providers.
Housing Services Corporation (HSC) is a non-profit organization that works to ensure that Ontario residents have access to safe and affordable housing. HSC has an exclusive Tenant Insurance Program.