Landlord insurance protects property owners who rent out their properties. It goes beyond standard home insurance by covering risks specific to renting: tenant damage, loss of rental income, and landlord liability. Most mortgage lenders require it for buy-to-let properties.
What it covers
- Damage to the building by tenants (malicious or accidental)
- Loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable
- Landlord legal liability (injury claims from tenants or visitors)
- Theft by tenants (with certain policies)
- Damage from storms, fire, flood (building cover)
- Contents if the property is furnished
- Legal expenses for tenant disputes and evictions
What it doesn’t cover
- General wear and tear (carpets, paintwork over time)
- Tenant’s personal belongings (tenants need their own contents insurance)
- Unoccupied properties exceeding policy limits (usually 60–90 days)
- Damage from illegal activities you were aware of
- Losses from tenants you didn’t properly screen
How to choose
Decide between building-only or building + contents if the property is furnished. Compare rent loss coverage limits and how long the insurer will pay lost rent. Check if accidental damage by tenants is included. Consider landlord legal expenses cover for eviction and dispute costs. Inform your insurer about short-term rental activity (Airbnb) — most standard policies exclude it.