Insurance
Cover built around the way your property is let.
A rental property has different risks from an owner-occupied home. The policy needs to reflect the tenants, tenancy, ownership structure and type of building, whether it is a single buy-to-let, an HMO, a block of flats or a wider portfolio.
We can arrange landlord insurance alongside a purchase or refinance, or review an existing portfolio to identify gaps and explore a more coordinated approach.
What landlord insurance can include
- Buildings insurance for the full reinstatement cost.
- Landlord-owned contents, furnishings and appliances.
- Property owners' liability.
- Loss of rent following insured damage that makes the property uninhabitable.
- Alternative accommodation for tenants, where included.
- Accidental or malicious damage, subject to the selected policy.
- Landlord home emergency cover.
- Legal expenses and optional rent guarantee.
The combination depends on the tenancy
The correct combination depends on the tenancy and the property. A basic single-let policy may not be suitable for an HMO, converted building, block, holiday let or mixed commercial and residential property.
Rent guarantee and loss of rent are not the same
Loss of rent
This is usually linked to insured physical damage. For example, if a fire or flood makes the property uninhabitable, the policy may replace rent that would otherwise have been received during the repair period, subject to the policy limit and terms.
Rent guarantee
This is designed to help when a tenant does not pay the rent. It is often linked to legal expenses cover and may require satisfactory tenant referencing, a qualifying tenancy agreement, prompt notification and compliance with specific conditions.
We will explain which protection is being quoted, because one should not be mistaken for the other.
HMOs
A house in multiple occupation presents a different occupancy and management risk. The insurer will need accurate information about the number of occupants, tenancy structure, licensing, fire precautions, communal areas and the landlord's management arrangements.
We can explore specialist HMO cover and align it with the mortgage structure, including limited company ownership where appropriate.
Blocks, converted flats and mixed use
Blocks and converted buildings often need one policy covering the complete structure and communal areas. The arrangement may also need to reflect commercial units, multiple leaseholders, short-term occupancy, plant and machinery, liability and the responsibilities set out in each lease.
We can help freeholders, management companies and property investors source block cover and coordinate the information needed for underwriting.
Portfolio insurance
Insurance is not only a property-by-property exercise. A portfolio review can identify inconsistent sums insured, duplicated cover, different renewal dates, properties insured on the wrong occupancy basis and gaps created by refurbishments or changing tenants.
Where available and suitable, several properties may be brought under one arrangement with a common renewal date. We will still make sure each property is accurately described and adequately insured.
Periods of unoccupancy
Most policies restrict cover after a property has been empty for a stated period. Conditions may include regular inspections, keeping heating on, draining water systems, securing the property or removing combustible waste.
Tell us about void periods, probate, renovation or a delayed tenancy before cover is arranged. A standard landlord policy should not be assumed to cover a long unoccupied period.
Home & Property Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
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Landlord insurance is not generally a legal requirement, but a buy-to-let mortgage lender will normally require suitable buildings cover. Other covers may be sensible depending on the tenancy and risk.
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Not automatically. Rent guarantee is usually an optional section with eligibility and referencing requirements. Loss of rent following insured property damage is a different cover.
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Policies can be available in a limited company name, subject to the insurer, property and ownership details.
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We can explore specialist arrangements for HMOs, blocks, converted properties and portfolios. Full underwriting information will be required.
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The policy may allow a limited unoccupied period, but cover and conditions can change after that period. Tell us in advance so the correct arrangement can be considered.
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No. Rent guarantee is intended for qualifying tenant arrears and is usually subject to referencing and policy conditions. Loss of rent is generally linked to insured physical damage that makes the property uninhabitable.
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Portfolio arrangements can be available, sometimes with a common renewal date. Each address, rebuilding cost, tenancy and occupancy still needs to be disclosed accurately.
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It should not be assumed. Structural work, extensive refurbishment and long periods of unoccupancy may require specialist renovation cover before work begins.
One property or a whole portfolio, let us review it properly.
Send us the addresses, property types, tenancies, rents, rebuilding costs, ownership structure and renewal dates. We will identify the cover required and provide a clear route forward.
Request a landlord insurance quoteCover is arranged through our insurance sourcing arrangements, subject to underwriting and eligibility.
The information on this page is general guidance. Insurance is subject to underwriting and the terms, conditions, limits, exclusions and excesses of the selected policy. Full details will be provided before you decide whether to proceed.