TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -Apartment and townhouse residents should verify they have renters insurance and that their coverage reflects the value of their belongings in case of a fire.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said one issue people run into is being underinsured.

“I think renters need to remember that most of those policies are written with actual cash value and they do have depreciation,” Schmidt said. “If you pay two thousand dollars for a couch and had it for five years, you won’t get two thousand dollars back.”

Schmidt said renters face different liability concerns than homeowners.

“Most of us don’t expect to have a fire in our place, but renters are a bit different in the box that you check because it is important to know if you have personal liability,” Schmidt said. “Say you light a candle and go to bed and the apartment catches fire, you are responsible for the structure, so some policies will cover that otherwise you would be responsible as an individual.”

Schmidt recommends updating a home inventory and keeping track of the value.

She also said renters should read through their lease agreement.

“Sometimes lease agreements will cover living expenses,” Schmidt said.

Topeka Fire said it can be helpful for apartment residents to know their neighbors.

“Make sure you know your neighbors well enough to help in an instance where time is a critical matter, not just for our crew but if you have limited mobility issues,” Dylan Smith said.

Keeping track of any pets or kids a neighbor may have is useful. Topeka Fire said if residents live in a complex, it’s important neighbors look out for neighbors.

“Cooking safety is one that we are pushing,” the representative said. “It’s one that you are kind of at the mercy of your neighbors so making sure everyone is aware of the dangers and potential issues that can happen there and in apartments you have other appliances that help you with early detection so making sure those are working.”

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