Landlord insurance explained
Standard home insurance usually stops covering a property once it's let. Landlord insurance fills the gap, but policies vary a lot. Here's what each type of cover does and what to check.
- Not a legal requirement, but most mortgage lenders require buildings cover.
- Tell your insurer before the tenant moves in.
- Your tenant's belongings are their responsibility, not yours.
The main types of cover
| Cover | What it does | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings | Repairs or rebuilding after fire, flood, storm or subsidence | Freeholders, and usually required by your lender |
| Landlord contents | Your furniture, carpets, curtains and appliances | Furnished and part-furnished lets |
| Property owner's liability | Claims if a tenant or visitor is injured because of the property | Every landlord |
| Loss of rent | Rent while the property can't be lived in after an insured event | Anyone who relies on the rent |
| Rent guarantee | Rent if the tenant stops paying | Landlords who can't cover missed months |
| Legal expenses | Solicitor and court costs, such as possession claims | Useful now Section 21 has gone |
| Accidental and malicious damage | Damage caused by tenants, often an optional extra | Worth considering for most lets |
What to check before you buy
- Unoccupied periods: many policies limit cover if the property is empty for more than 30 to 60 days.
- Tenant type: make sure the policy covers the tenants you let to, such as students, HMOs or tenants on benefits.
- Rent guarantee conditions: these usually require referencing before the tenancy starts, and a set process when arrears begin.
- Your duties: insurers may refuse claims if gas safety, electrical checks or alarms weren't up to date.
- Rebuild value: buildings cover should match the cost of rebuilding, not the market value.
- Excess: check how much you pay towards each claim.
Leasehold flats
If you own a leasehold flat, the freeholder usually insures the building. Ask for a copy of the policy to check it allows letting, then buy landlord contents and liability cover for your own flat.
How Landlord Friendly will help
- A renewal reminder for every insurance policy, per property.
- Policy documents stored with each property.
- Up-to-date certificates and a dated repair log, so your claims aren't refused on a technicality.
Frequently asked questions
Is landlord insurance a legal requirement?
No, but most buy-to-let mortgage lenders require buildings insurance, and ordinary home insurance usually won't cover a let property.
Does home insurance cover a rented property?
Usually not. Letting a property without telling your insurer can invalidate your policy, so switch to landlord insurance before the tenant moves in.
What is rent guarantee insurance?
Cover that pays the rent if a tenant stops paying, usually after referencing has been passed and for a set number of months. It often comes with legal expenses cover for possession claims.
Do I need buildings insurance for a leasehold flat?
Often not, because the freeholder usually insures the building and charges you through the service charge. You will still want landlord contents and liability cover.
This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Compare policies carefully, or speak to an insurance broker.
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Last reviewed 25 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules change, so check the official sources before acting.