DRAFT Tenant Insurance

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.

View and Download the Tenant Insurance Brochure

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 over $20,000.

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.”

You do. Your clothes, bed, kitchenware, electronics and more can cost $20,000+ to replace.

What Happens if You DO Have Tenant Insurance?
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.
How to Get Tenant Insurance?
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
Need Help?
If you have questions, contact your local Tenant Service Centre or speak to your Property Manager. We are here to help.