Q: In Utah, can a landlord/property manager make you buy their renters insurance, or am I able to get my own?
We have rented this property for almost 4 years. We got a new PMC last year due to the sale of the property. We have always had renters insurance thru our insurance company. New PMC has us pay an extra $43 per month for insurance, ac filters, and online payment capabilities. Even though I have never once seen a air filter nor do I need their insurance. Is it legal for them to require me to buy their insurance?
A:
The answer to your question can be found in your rental agreement. Did you agree previously in the agreement to use whichever insurance the landlord chooses, or does the agreement only state that you are responsible to pay for insurance?
If the answer is the latter, then you can send them proof of insurance and point out the appropriate clause in your agreement. They will then be forced to go to court if they want to force you to do anything, and the court may not agree with them.
Unfortunately, most issues aren't as cleanly cut as that and there may be questions who might win if the issue went to court. If you are renting a personal residence, the entire process can be quite stressful when you factor in the possibility that you might be forced to move.
I highly recommend that you wait to take action before sitting down with an attorney in what will usually be a free consultation to discuss your options while reviewing the rental agreement.
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