Insurance

Updated 14 October 2025 As Orchard House leasehold is, in effect, a rental building, the landlord insures for virtually all risks at the expense of the lessees. For that reason some lessees don’t carry their own insurance, which is unwise. Like any homeowner or month-to-month tenant, lessees should have protection for their possible liability for damage to their own property and that of others, and for any injury or death in which the lessees or guests might play a role.

Beyond liability, a policy should cover the value of your suite upgrades, such as to flooring or appliances, your possessions, and for live-out expenses in event an incident makes your suite or the entire building uninhabitable for you or—if you have rented out your leasehold suite—your tenant. Through BCAA my 2024 policy cost $201 (‘no suite improvements, no claims history, and as a BCAA member), but I know another lessee who pays $600 for an improved suite and earthquake coverage, which we don’t know that the building’s policy covers ( ! ).

The landlord’s note to lessees regarding insurance is attached below (opens new tab).