With more and more renters moving into the Lehigh Valley, the Allentown fire marshal's office is trying to encourage them to look into something often overlooked - renters insurance.
"Oftentimes, they're not aware of it. Sometimes it lapses and people forget to renew it, and we see that very often," said Allentown Fire Marshal Jon Steed.
Renters insurance is not legally required in Pennsylvania. However, rental companies can require it. Often, landlords either don't ask for the paperwork or forget to check if the policy is still active.
According to a 2020 poll, roughly 55% of renter-occupied homes across the country have renters' insurance. Steed says that number is much lower locally.
"Approximately 15% of people that I've dealt with in the city after fires have renters' insurance," Steed said.