# Renter's insurance - questions/advice? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 23, 2026, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129 "2026-06-23T05:55:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/81 "2026-06-28T17:16:26Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > Okay, after seeing the instructions, most of that is to screw it into your wall for safety. I doubt anyone does that. My daughter and son-in-law do because they have 3 little kids-tip over accidents are a real risk with little ones especially in rooms like bedrooms where they are often alone and presumed to be sleeping. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/82 "2026-06-28T18:54:36Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > My daughter and son-in-law do because they have 3 little kids I should have specified anyone in _Smapti’s_ circle. Screwing your furniture into the wall is different than using a safety strap. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/83 "2026-06-28T18:58:45Z")
Huh? Don’t some safety straps screw into both the wall and the furniture? ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/84 "2026-06-28T20:06:09Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Don’t some safety straps screw into both the wall and the furniture? Yeah, but at my _extremely_ quick glance at the instructions, you actually screw the dresser itself into the wall. I could be wrong, I didn’t read that closely. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/85 "2026-06-28T21:18:40Z")
I don’t recall any furnishings that are fastened directly to a wall without some intermediate hardware: flexible straps, sturdy zip-tie things, brackets. Furniture often needs some standoff from the wall (if nothing else, the thickness of the baseboard molding). ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/86 "2026-06-28T22:07:07Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > I don’t recall any furnishings that are fastened directly to a wall without some intermediate hardware: flexible straps, sturdy zip-tie things, brackets. Well… [![](https://i.imgur.com/Jl9el7D.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/Jl9el7D.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/87 "2026-06-28T23:04:44Z")
That’s an example, all right. I guess you don’t pull the back of the cabinet flush with the wall because of the displacement from the baseboard. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/88 "2026-06-29T04:31:39Z")
I like how my post about renter’s insurance has gone completely off-rails into a discussion about furniture mounting. I’m currently considering this to be the omnibus “Smapti gets his own apartment” thread. I went to Home Depot today to buy a drill and the other tools I’ll be needing for the furniture assembly, as well as some bubble wrap to protect my fragiles during the move. I have acquired a license from the county for my cat (which I didn’t previously know was a thing) and have scheduled an appointment for him to get his shots updated. Tomorrow I get the full tour of the grounds and get to see the actual studio I’ve been approved for. I’ll post pictures. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/89 "2026-06-30T00:28:00Z")
Got the tour of the grounds today and I have pictures to share! The entrance to the complex; [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365418883_e2176bd4e3_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365418883_e2176bd4e3_b.jpg) The studio itself, which includes a brand new electric oven with an induction range (gonna have to buy some new pans), a built-in microwave, high-speed internet, and a hotel-style AC; [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459264_f9e595e062_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459264_f9e595e062_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459234_00a003b84f_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459234_00a003b84f_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459209_5f0758cd6a_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459209_5f0758cd6a_b.jpg) The game room, which is open 24 hours a day; [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459164_b285598087_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365459164_b285598087_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365269306_43c220f209_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365269306_43c220f209_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365418813_4fa4e593b9_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365418813_4fa4e593b9_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365418798_b731169485_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365418798_b731169485_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365269346_6f2eb841a4_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365269346_6f2eb841a4_b.jpg) The gym, which is also open 24 hours a day; [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365269256_b78bc1f8d2_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365269256_b78bc1f8d2_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55364328402_46e68e011b_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55364328402_46e68e011b_b.jpg) [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365677550_d49ea9e23d_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365677550_d49ea9e23d_b.jpg) The cafe isn’t open yet and the restaurant is closed on Mondays, so I’ll have to post pictures of those later. There are six laundry rooms scattered across the grounds - the machines are $2 a pop, but instead of having to haul a pocketful of quarters with you, you pay through the complex’s app. There’s also an outdoor patio with a fire pit and gas grills for free use, which I didn’t get pictures of because we’re right in the middle of “Juneuary” and it was drizzly out today. The studio is a little on the small side, but it’s bigger than what I have to work with right now and it should be just the right size for myself and my cat and an occasional guest. I move in on the 15th and I’m excited about it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/90 "2026-06-30T00:41:14Z")
Very nice! ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/91 "2026-06-30T01:44:05Z")
Grats! Looks like a nice bachelor pad with a good kitchen and lots of fun activities. Hope you get to bring some friends over for games soon! ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/92 "2026-06-30T01:47:34Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > I’m currently considering this to be the omnibus “Smapti gets his own apartment” thread. Yes, definitely! Lovelovelove the pictures! Have you told us your cat’s name and I just wasn’t paying attention? And we will need a picture of The Cat in Question. You will probably need moral support during the move itself, which you will find here. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/93 "2026-06-30T01:54:03Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Have you told us your cat’s name and I just wasn’t paying attention? And we will need a picture of The Cat in Question. The cat’s name is Noctis, after the main character of Final Fantasy XV. He’s a little shy of 3 years old (born on Halloween, actually, which is appropriate for a black cat) and is a rambunctious little psycho. Here’s him and his namesake. [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55364440602_0cba28417e_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55364440602_0cba28417e_b.jpg) [![](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/4/4a/FFXV_Noctis.png) ](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/4/4a/FFXV_Noctis.png) I actually have a second cat, Lunafreya, 8 y/o female tabby named after the female lead of the same game, but I’m going to be rehoming her (at least temporarily) with my mom because I’m not sure I’ll get the ESA letter in time and paying pet rent + deposit for 2 cats is more than I can afford, plus mom could use the extra companionship as her cat passed away recently and we already know Luna likes my mom from her having babysitted her a few times when I was on vacation. [![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365807230_8eab27462b_b.jpg) ](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55365807230_8eab27462b_b.jpg) [![](https://inshobby.com/cdn/shop/files/superduck-1-6-lunafreya-nox-fleuret-version-2-seamless-figure-3.jpg?v=1766611689&width=1200) ](https://inshobby.com/cdn/shop/files/superduck-1-6-lunafreya-nox-fleuret-version-2-seamless-figure-3.jpg?v=1766611689&width=1200) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/94 "2026-06-30T02:10:51Z")
Kitties! _Squeee!_ Both are beautiful! ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/95 "2026-07-01T04:55:18Z")
Heck, I’m waiting to see the café and restaurant menus. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/96 "2026-07-01T15:03:44Z")
🤔 How far away do you suppose they deliver? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/97 "2026-07-01T22:03:09Z")
The restaurant’s got its own website. Contemporary American. Some of it’s a little pricy but I’ve been told the happy hour fish & chips is a great deal. I think they deliver within the building. > **[Home](https://thewestwater.com/)** > > Home The cafe is setting up in the lobby - I believe they’re gonna be doing mainly coffee/tea/smoothies, baked goods, and maybe some grab-and-go stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/98 "2026-07-01T22:05:47Z")
I wonder about the game room, with a pool table including cue sticks and billiard balls. Who will be providing the equipment? Do you check it out through a building manager? And various other games also need equipment that either needs to be secured or might disappear over time. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/99 "2026-07-01T22:07:36Z")
The equipment is provided as part of the rent and is available for first-come first-serve us by tenants and their guests 24 hours a day. You need a keyfob to even get to the floor it’s on and there are cameras, so gear walking out the door is probably gonna be easy enough to track down. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129/100 "2026-07-01T22:15:27Z")
Good luck with that; it’s possible that the small game pieces disappear even with the cameras, though you could bring your own cue sticks and billiard balls, if necessary. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renters-insurance-questions-advice/1031129.md?page=6)