Being a landlord in the UK can be rewarding — but it also comes with risks. From accidental property damage to unpaid rent or legal disputes with tenants, unexpected problems can hit your rental income and damage your investment.

That’s where landlord insurance comes in. While standard home insurance policies aren’t designed for rental properties, landlord insurance is tailored specifically to the needs of property owners who let out their homes to tenants.

In this guide, we’ll explore what landlord insurance covers, who needs it, and how to choose the right policy for your property.

What Is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord insurance is a type of specialist property insurance that protects rental properties and landlords from financial loss. It typically covers the buildings, and optionally the contents, of a rental property, and can be extended to include loss of rent, accidental damage, liability cover, and legal expenses.

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy usually becomes void once the property is rented out — so if you’re letting out a flat, house, or even a room in your home, landlord insurance is essential.

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover?

Policies can be tailored to suit your needs, but most landlord insurance policies include:

✅ Buildings Insurance

Covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the physical structure of your property after damage caused by:

• Fire

• Flooding

• Storms

• Vandalism

• Subsidence

• Burst pipes

✅ Landlord Contents Insurance

If you rent out a furnished property, landlord contents insurance can protect items like:

• Furniture

• Curtains

• Carpets

• White goods (washing machines, fridges, ovens)

Note: It does not cover tenants’ personal belongings.

✅ Loss of Rent Cover

If your property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, such as a fire or flood, loss of rent cover can compensate you for the rental income you would have otherwise received.

✅ Liability Insurance

Provides protection if a tenant, tradesperson, or visitor is injured in your property and holds you legally responsible. This can include medical bills and legal costs.

✅ Accidental Damage Cover (Optional)

Protects you against unintentional damage caused by tenants — such as a broken window, a spilt drink on the carpet, or a cracked hob.

✅ Legal Expenses Cover (Optional)

Helps cover legal costs if you need to:

• Recover rent arrears

• Evict tenants

• Defend against property-related disputes

Do I Need Landlord Insurance?

Landlord insurance isn’t legally required in the UK — but it’s often a condition of buy-to-let mortgages. Even if you own the property outright, protecting your asset and income is crucial.

Ask yourself:

• Can I afford to rebuild the property after a fire?

• Would I be able to cover a £10,000 claim if a tenant was injured and held me liable?

• How would I recover unpaid rent or evict a non-compliant tenant?

If any of these situations would strain your finances, landlord insurance is a smart investment.

Landlord Insurance vs Standard Home Insurance

The key difference is that standard home insurance isn’t valid for rented properties. Most insurers will decline claims made on a property that’s being let out without landlord-specific cover.

Here’s how they compare:

How Much Does Landlord Insurance Cost in the UK?

Premiums vary depending on:

• The type of property (house, flat, HMO, etc.)

• Location and crime/flood risk

• Tenant type (professionals, students, DSS, etc.)

• Level of cover required (buildings only vs full protection)

• Optional extras added to the policy

Basic landlord insurance might start from around £120–£200 per year, but more comprehensive policies (especially those with rent guarantee cover) will cost more.

Always compare quotes, but don’t compromise on cover just to save a few pounds — especially if you have multiple properties or rely heavily on rental income.

Tips for Choosing the Right Landlord Insurance Policy

1. Know your rebuild cost – Not the market value. Use an online calculator or chartered surveyor.

2. Check tenant type restrictions – Some insurers exclude certain tenant types, such as students or housing benefit recipients.

3. Look for flexible policies – Especially if you own more than one property.

4. Read the small print – Pay attention to exclusions, excesses, and claim procedures.

5. Keep your property well-maintained – Many claims can be rejected if damage is caused by negligence or poor maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Letting out a property can be a profitable venture — but it’s not without risks. From damaged walls to legal claims, landlord insurance gives you the peace of mind that your investment is protected, and your income is secure.

Rather than relying on hope, ensure you’re properly insured with a policy that reflects the reality of letting in today’s rental market.

Get Landlord Insurance That Works for You

Whether you’re letting your first buy-to-let or managing a growing property portfolio, we can help you find the right landlord insurance cover.

👉 [Get Your Landlord Insurance Quote Today]
✅ Flexible cover options
✅ UK-based support
✅ Competitive premiums tailored to you

Protect your property. Protect your income. Start with the right cover today.