Does Renters Insurance Cover Mold?
Renters insurance may cover mold damage if it results from a covered peril, such as a burst pipe or fire, but typically excludes mold caused by neglect, flooding, or gradual water damage.
Does renters insurance cover mold?
Your renters insurance policy will cover mold-related damage (but not mold testing or inspection) if it is caused by a covered peril. The only way to confirm whether your policy covers mold damage is to consult your policy documents or speak with a representative at your company. If the mold growth is a result of a covered peril, such as a burst pipe, renters insurance is likely to provide coverage for the damages. However, if the mold is due to neglect or poor maintenance, it is usually not covered. Read on for more information
💡 Zebra tip: Add an endorsement for better mold protection
Renters insurance may cover mold damage if it results from a covered peril, but not from negligence, flooding, or certain water issues. If mold isn’t included in your policy, you can often add coverage through an endorsement for an extra cost.
When does renters insurance cover mold damage?
Mold damage should be covered by renters insurance if it is the result of a covered peril. We say “should be” because certain companies and policies offer no coverage for mold if you do not have a limited mold/fungi removal endorsement. An endorsement is defined as a change (typically the addition or removal of coverage) to your insurance policy. A limited mold/fungi removal endorsement will cover the cost of remediation if it is caused by a covered peril. See examples of causes of mold commonly covered by rental insurance below.
| Fire | Lightning | Riot/civil commotion |
|---|---|---|
| Explosion | Hail or windstorm | Falling objects |
| Aircraft or Vehicles | Smoke damage | Weight of snow, ice, or sleet |
| Volcanic Eruption | Theft | Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam* |
| Vandalism | Freezing | Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning, or bulging |
If the mold damage came as a result of any of the above claims, you might have coverage, depending on the specifics of your insurance policy. Two of the most common scenarios where renters insurance would offer reimbursement for damage caused by mold are:
- If water used by firefighters to combat a fire caused mold to develop.
- If a pipe burst and caused mold to form inside your walls.
Keep in mind, a major consideration renters insurance claims adjusters make when assessing mold damage is the timeline of events: namely, whether the mold existed before or after the covered peril occurred. If mold existed in a kitchen prior to a pipe bursting, any damages caused by the burst pipe would be covered, but the mold damage would not.
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When does renters insurance not cover mold?
Renters insurance does not cover mold damage if you do not have the necessary endorsement or coverage, if the mold damage was a result of maintenance issues, or if the mold was caused by flooding. Read details about each situation below.
Depending on your policy, your insurance company, and your location, you may not have coverage for mold without a mold damage-specific endorsement. Even with an endorsement, coverage will most likely be limited to mold remediation: repairing the wall or structure specifically impacted. If your personal property was destroyed by mold, you would have no recourse.
If the insurance company determines that you ignored a long-term water leak, you most likely will not get insurance coverage for any mold that might develop. Renters insurance companies require clients to use all reasonable means to protect the insured property. In the opinion of an insurance company, failure to maintain property may result in claim denial.
Renters insurance does not offer coverage for water damage caused by flooding — including mold. If your apartment floods and mold grows on your personal property, you won't have insurance coverage. Learn more about flood insurance for renters.
The accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam can be a tricky part of renters insurance mold coverage. Certain insurance companies do not cover this peril if the “accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam” was caused by mold, fungus, or wet unless it was hidden from plain sight.
Why mold coverage isn't more straightforward
Mold is a complicated claim type for insurance companies. Insurers are hesitant to state they cover mold damage, as it's often difficult to determine the cause of the mold — and mold can be a tough issue to rectify. Furthermore, the prevalence and risks posed by mold vary by state. A renter might require different coverage for mold in a humid part of Texas than they do in Ohio. Search your insurance policy for terms like mold, fungi, mildew, spores, mycotoxins, and mold by-products to better understand whether you're covered.
One company that explicitly states their renters policies cover mold damage is Lemonade. Lemonade will cover any mold damage to your personal property if it was caused by a covered peril listed on your policy, such as a windstorm.
How to prevent mold from spreading
The key to keeping mold from wreaking havoc in your living space is moisture control. Below are mold control suggestions from the EPA and mold experts:[1]
- Immediately report any plumbing leaks or moisture concerns to your landlord. If wet or damp materials dry 24-48 hours after leaks or spills, mold is less likely to grow.
- Vacuum and remove dust often. Mold’s primary food source is dust.
- Use a dehumidifier if you have a basement.
- Regularly check your air conditioning ventilation — especially during warm and humid months.
- If you see mold, report it to your landlord or call a professional. A fan and bleach are often not enough to mediate the situation.
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