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Chapter 01
Why standard cover isn't enough
Many standard residential home policies assume the owner lives at the property and may restrict or exclude cover once it is let. Tell the insurer before letting and check the policy wording. Specialist landlord insurance can cover risks associated with renting, and a suitable buildings policy is commonly a condition of a buy-to-let mortgage, but landlord insurance is not itself a general statutory requirement.
Chapter 02
Buildings and contents cover
Buildings insurance covers the structure of the property against events such as fire, flood and subsidence — essential, and usually a mortgage condition. Contents cover protects items you provide (carpets, white goods, furniture in a furnished let); tenants insure their own belongings separately.
Chapter 03
Useful add-ons
- Rent guarantee / loss of rent — pays out if a tenant defaults or the property is uninhabitable after an insured event.
- Legal expenses — covers the cost of possession proceedings and disputes.
- Property owners' liability — protects you if a tenant or visitor is injured and claims against you.
- Accidental and malicious damage — covers tenant-caused damage beyond the deposit.
- Home emergency — rapid response for boiler breakdowns, leaks and lockouts.
Chapter 04
Liability cover
Property owners' liability is one of the most important elements: if someone is injured because of a defect in the property and you are found responsible, claims can be very large. Most landlord policies include several million pounds of liability cover as standard.
Chapter 05
How compliance protects your policy
A breach of a legal duty or policy condition may affect a claim, depending on the wording and its connection to the loss. Keep certificates current, disclose how the property is used, and ask the insurer or broker to confirm any condition you do not understand.
Chapter 06
Records to keep and making a claim
- The policy schedule, statement of fact and any endorsements or exclusions.
- An up-to-date inventory, photographs, invoices and evidence of ownership for supplied items.
- Safety certificates, inspection reports and dated maintenance records.
- Tenant referencing and rent records where required by rent-guarantee cover.
- A dated record of the incident, steps taken to limit damage and all insurer correspondence.
Notify the insurer promptly after an incident and follow its instructions before authorising non-emergency work. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, but do not dispose of evidence unless the insurer agrees.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
Further reading and fact-checking
General guidance: This guide is for general information and does not replace legal or professional advice for your circumstances. Check current official guidance and your local authority's requirements.