Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive across the U.S., especially in high-risk states like California. For landlords, this means not only property damage concerns but also financial losses tied to vacancy, repairs, and liability. If you rent out a property in a wildfire-prone region, understanding your insurance options and risk exposure is critical.
Learn how Steadily's landlord insurance protects your property against all types of fire damage.
What Makes Wildfires So Risky For Landlords
- Rapid Spread: Unlike typical house fires, wildfires can engulf entire neighborhoods within hours, leaving landlords little time to react.
- Unpredictable Seasons: While traditionally a summer and fall risk in California, wildfires now occur year-round due to drought and extreme weather.
- Smoke And Soot Damage: Even if a property escapes flames, it may suffer extensive smoke damage, which can make it uninhabitable.
- Tenant Displacement: Landlords may be responsible for relocation costs or rent refunds during the repair period, depending on lease terms.
- Limited Market Options: In some wildfire-prone areas, insurers may decline coverage or charge much higher premiums.
Is Wildfire Damage Covered By Landlord Insurance?
In most cases, yes. Standard landlord insurance typically includes coverage for fire damage, including wildfires. This usually applies to:
- Structural repairs to the rental property
- Smoke and soot remediation
- Replacement of landlord-owned appliances and fixtures
- Loss of rental income during the restoration period
To ensure you're fully protected, your policy should include replacement cost coverage and loss of use/rental income coverage. Without those, you may be left covering rebuilding costs or lost rent out-of-pocket.
Steadily offers flexible landlord policies designed for wildfire zones—including California—so you’re not left scrambling for coverage.
What’s Not Covered
Even if you have fire insurance, some wildfire-related damages may not be included:
- Damage to vacant properties (if unoccupied 30+ days and not covered under a vacancy endorsement)
- Tenant belongings (unless the tenant has renters insurance)
- Secondary structures not listed on your policy
- Fires caused intentionally or through gross negligence
In high-risk states, some landlords also need coverage through programs like the California FAIR Plan, a state-run insurer of last resort for those denied by private carriers.
Wildfire Risk Mitigation Tips For Landlords
- Maintain defensible space (clearing brush and debris 30+ feet from the structure)
- Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding
- Install spark arrestors and ember-proof vents
- Create a wildfire evacuation and emergency contact plan
- Require tenants to carry renters insurance
These safety measures may not only lower your risk—they could also qualify you for discounts on your landlord insurance policy.
More fire coverage topics:
Bottom Line: Be Proactive With Fire Coverage
If you’re a landlord in a wildfire-prone state like California, don’t assume your property is fully protected. Review your policy, upgrade to full replacement cost and rental income protection, and consider coverage through programs like the California FAIR Plan if needed.
Get a landlord insurance quote from Steadily to make sure your investment is covered before the next wildfire season hits.
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