Does this affect my rent?
Indirectly, and only through your landlord. The insurance on a rented house or duplex is a dwelling policy, not a homeowners policy, and the state approved +5.0% on dwelling rates in two steps against a request of +68.3%. Your own renters policy is priced separately and is not part of this filing.
What was approved on landlord dwelling coverage
The Rate Bureau asked for +68.3% statewide. The settlement approved a phased change, each step on its own effective date.
| Step | Takes effect | Approved change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 1, 2026 | +5.0% |
| 2 | October 1, 2027 | +5.0% |
Settled at two identical 5.0% steps: +5.0% effective October 1, 2026 and +5.0% effective October 1, 2027.
The full dwelling filing record, with documents · Every dwelling filing since 1993
What a dwelling policy is
A dwelling policy (the DP forms) covers a one-to-four-unit residence that the owner does not live in — a rental house, a duplex, a seasonal property. It insures the structure and the owner's liability. It does not insure a tenant's furniture, electronics, clothing, or temporary housing after a fire.
A renters policy (HO-4) covers those tenant belongings and tenant liability. It is written and priced separately, so a dwelling rate change does not move your renters premium.
Where a dwelling increase can reach you is rent. An owner facing a higher insurance cost may raise rent at renewal, subject to your lease. The size of the approved change is a useful reference point when a rent increase is explained by insurance: dwelling rates were approved to move +5.0% per step, not by the +68.3% that was requested.
Your right to choose your own carrier and agent
North Carolina law prohibits requiring a tenant, borrower, or buyer to buy insurance through a particular company or a particular agent as a condition of a transaction. A lease term or a landlord instruction naming one agency does not override that.
So if your lease requires renters insurance, the requirement itself can be legitimate — an amount of liability coverage, proof of a policy — while the choice of who writes it stays yours. Coverage limits may be specified; the seller of the policy may not be forced on you.
If your own housing cost went up and you want to see the approved change for your county, check the increase.