What does Landlord Insurance cover?

If you rent out a property, having the right insurance in place can help protect you from the unexpected.

Landlord insurance is designed specifically for rental properties, helping to cover the risks that come with letting out your home, from property damage to loss of rent.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s usually covered.

What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord insurance is a type of cover for people who rent out a property. Whether you have a single buy-to-let or a small portfolio, it can help protect your property, your income and your liability as a landlord.

It’s different from standard Home Insurance, which is typically only designed for owner-occupied properties.

What does Landlord Insurance typically include?

Most landlord insurance policies are made up of a few key types of cover. These can vary depending on your provider and the level of cover you choose.Buildings Insurance

Buildings Insurance covers the structure of your property, including:

• Walls, roof and floors
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Fixtures and fittings
• Outbuildings like garages or sheds

It helps cover the cost of repairs if your property is damaged by things like:

• Fire
• Flooding
• Storm damage
• Subsidence

For many landlords, this is the most important part of their cover and it’s often required if you have a buy-to-let mortgage.Landlord contents insurance

If you rent out a furnished property, contents cover can help protect the items you provide, such as:

• Furniture
• White goods and appliances
• Carpets, curtains and soft furnishings

It helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing these items if they’re damaged or stolen.

Keep in mind this doesn’t cover your tenant’s belongings, they’ll need their own contents insurance for that.

Loss of rent cover

If your property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, your tenants may need to move out while repairs are carried out.

Loss of rent cover can help replace the rental income you’d otherwise miss during this time, helping you stay financially protected.

Property Owners’ Liability Insurance

This cover helps protect you if someone is injured on your property and you’re found legally responsible.

For example, if a tenant or visitor is hurt due to a fault with the property, liability cover can help with legal costs and compensation claims.

Optional extras and add-ons

Depending on your policy, you may be able to add extra cover to suit your needs.

These can include:

• Accidental damage cover – For unexpected damage caused by tenants
• Malicious damage cover – For deliberate damage to your property
• Legal expenses cover – To help with disputes or evictions
• Rent guarantee insurance – To cover missed tenant payments
• Home emergency cover – For urgent repairs

Adding the right extras can give you more complete protection, depending on how you let your property.

 

What isn’t usually covered?

Like most types of insurance, there are some things landlord insurance doesn’t typically include, such as:

• General wear and tear
• Poor maintenance or neglect
• Tenants’ personal belongings
• Claims if the property is left unoccupied (unless covered separately)

It’s always worth checking your policy documents to understand exactly what’s included and what isn’t.

Do I need landlord insurance?

Landlord insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, but you may need it if you:

• Rent out a property you own
• Have a buy-to-let mortgage
• Provide furnished accommodation
• Want to protect your rental income

Without the right cover, you could end up paying significant costs yourself if something goes wrong.

Get the right cover for your property

Every rental property is different. The right landlord insurance policy will depend on your property, your tenants and how you let it.

Taking the time to choose the right cover can help protect your investment and give you greater peace of mind as a landlord.

Frequently asked questions