Should I require renters insurance from my Georgia tenants?

Georgia landlords can legally require tenants to carry renters insurance and list the landlord as an additional interested party. This shifts the liability exposure for tenant-caused damage to the tenant’s carrier rather than the landlord’s policy. A landlord policy covers the building, not the tenant’s personal property or liability. When tenants have renters insurance, the landlord’s carrier does not bear the first claim for tenant-caused losses. We recommend including renters insurance requirements in every Georgia lease.