Naming Your Landlord as Additional Insured in Alberta

Many tenants in Alberta are asked to name their landlord as an "additional insured" on renter insurance. This short guide explains what that phrase means for tenant liability and property coverage, why a landlord might request it, and practical steps tenants can take to ask their insurer and protect themselves. You will learn how naming works, what to expect from insurers, and what to do if a landlord asks for proof or refuses a request. The information uses simple language for renters and points to Alberta-specific dispute and application resources tenants can use if problems arise. It also outlines relevant forms, timelines and where to seek help in Alberta.

What "additional insured" means for tenants and landlords

When a landlord is named as an additional insured, the landlord becomes protected under the tenant's policy for certain liability claims that arise from the tenant's actions. This does not transfer ownership of the tenant's policy to the landlord, and it does not generally increase the tenant's obligations under the lease. Insurers have rules about who can be added and what incidents are covered; some insurers prefer to add a landlord as an additional interest or certificate holder rather than additional insured.

Why a landlord might ask to be named

• Proof of coverage requested in a lease or by property management when tenants move in.
• To ensure a source of recovery for third-party claims tied to tenant negligence or damage to common areas.
• To receive written confirmation from the insurer when a tenant provides proof of insurance.

Basic steps to request naming your landlord

1. Contact your insurance broker or company and explain the landlord's request; ask whether they add landlords as "additional insured" or provide a certificate of insurance.
2. Provide your insurer with the landlord's full legal name and the address of the rental unit so any certificate or endorsement names the correct party.
3. Ask for written confirmation (email or a signed certificate) showing the landlord is added; keep that document with your tenancy records.
4. Review any cost or premium changes the insurer may charge and request a clear explanation in writing if there is an added fee.

If your insurer or landlord refuses

If an insurer will not add the landlord, ask whether the insurer will issue a certificate of insurance that names the landlord as a certificate holder or additional interest. A certificate signals proof of insurance without granting the landlord the policy rights that come with being an insured. If a landlord insists on language your insurer will not provide, you can raise the issue with the landlord and document the exchange.

If the disagreement cannot be resolved and you believe a lease clause is unreasonable, you may be able to seek help from Alberta tenancy dispute services or review relevant legislation.^[1][2]

Practical examples of forms and when to use them

RTDRS Application (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service) — Form: Application (no form number). Use this application when you and your landlord cannot resolve an insurance or lease dispute and you want a formal dispute resolution hearing in Alberta. Example: your landlord insists you must name them as an additional insured and threatens eviction when your insurer will only issue a certificate of insurance; you can apply to RTDRS for a decision about the dispute.^[1]

Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) — legislation reference. Consult the Act for rules about lease terms and landlord-tenant obligations when a disagreement touches on rights under tenancy law.^[2]

How naming relates to lease terms and tenant rights

Leases sometimes include an insurance clause requiring tenants to carry renter insurance and "name" or "add" the landlord. Read your lease carefully and get clarification in writing. For general rights and obligations after signing a lease, tenants can consult guidance about what to do next, including how to provide evidence of insurance and maintain records like receipts and certificates. See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for practical next steps.

When to seek formal help

• If a landlord threatens eviction or other legal action related to insurance language in the lease.
• If you need a formal decision about whether a lease clause is reasonable under Alberta tenancy rules.
• If you want to confirm timelines or procedures for filing an RTDRS application.

For tenant-focused rights in Alberta, consult provincial resources and, when needed, apply to RTDRS for dispute resolution.^[1][2]

FAQ

Can a landlord require to be named as an additional insured on my renter insurance?

Yes, a landlord can ask, and the request may appear in a lease, but your insurer decides whether to add the landlord; some insurers provide a certificate of insurance instead.

Will adding a landlord increase my premium?

Possibly; some insurers charge an administrative fee or a premium adjustment. Ask the insurer for a written explanation of any cost changes before agreeing.

What if my insurer will not add my landlord?

Ask for a certificate of insurance or an endorsement and provide that to the landlord; if the landlord still declines to accept it, consider dispute resolution through RTDRS or seek tenant advice.

How-To

1. Call or email your insurer and explain the landlord's request, giving landlord name and rental address.
2. Request written confirmation: an endorsement, a certificate of insurance, or a statement explaining why the insurer will not add the landlord.
3. Share the insurer's written proof with the landlord and ask for written acknowledgement that it meets the lease requirement.
4. If the landlord rejects acceptable proof, notify them in writing that you have provided the insurer document and keep copies.
5. If the dispute continues, prepare an RTDRS Application and supporting documents (policy, certificate, lease, correspondence) and apply for dispute resolution.^[1]
6. Follow any decision from RTDRS and keep records of compliance or communication for future reference.

Key Takeaways

• Adding a landlord as additional insured affects liability coverage but not policy ownership.
• Always get written confirmation from your insurer and keep it with your lease documents.
• If a landlord insists on wording an insurer will not provide, consider RTDRS for formal resolution.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — Government of Alberta
• Residential Tenancies Act — Queen's Printer for Alberta
• Renting and tenancy information — Government of Alberta

1. [1] Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — Government of Alberta
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act — Queen's Printer for Alberta
3. [3] Renting and tenancy information — Government of Alberta