# Landlord insurance explained: buildings, contents, liability and rent cover > Insurance · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/landlord-insurance-explained/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/landlord-insurance-explained.md ## Quick answer Landlord insurance typically bundles buildings cover (structure you own), optional contents (your fittings and appliances), property owners' liability, and add-ons such as rent guarantee, legal expenses and home emergency — standard home insurance excludes renting, and mortgage lenders require buildings cover on mortgaged buy-to-lets. Renting out a property changes the risk profile. Standard home insurance usually invalidates cover once you let the property; buy-to-let mortgages require buildings insurance naming the lender. This hub explains what each section does, what tenants should insure themselves, and how to compare policies fairly — information only, not a product recommendation. ## Key facts - Standard home insurance is not designed for tenanted properties — disclose letting to your insurer or switch to landlord cover - Buildings insurance is usually mandatory with a buy-to-let mortgage; contents cover is for your items, not tenants' belongings - Property owners' liability covers injury or damage claims from tenants, visitors or tradespeople — limits of £1m–£5m are typical - Rent guarantee insurance pays if tenants default — often excludes the first one to two months and requires referencing - Landlord insurance premiums are generally allowable expenses against rental income for tax ## Buildings cover for rented property Buildings insurance pays to rebuild or repair the structure after fire, flood, storm, subsidence or vandalism. The sum insured should reflect rebuild cost, not market value — use the ABI rebuild calculator for a guide. Buy-to-let lenders require their interest noted on the policy. Check whether accidental damage to the building is included or an add-on — student lets and HMOs may need enhanced terms. Subsidence excesses are often £1,000+ even on good policies. If the property has a subsidence history, disclose it fully; non-disclosure can void claims. ## Landlord contents and fixtures Contents cover insures carpets, curtains, white goods and furniture you provide. Tenants must buy their own contents insurance for personal belongings — your policy does not cover their laptops or clothes. Accidental damage by tenants is often excluded unless bought as an extension. Malicious damage may need a separate add-on, especially for high-turnover lets. For unfurnished lets, contents cover is lower but still worth considering for appliances you supply and communal areas in HMOs. ## Liability, rent guarantee and legal expenses Property owners' liability responds if a tenant or visitor is injured due to a property defect you should have fixed — loose railings, faulty wiring you knew about, icy paths you failed to grit where you had responsibility. Rent guarantee insurance pays rent for a set period if tenants stop paying — typically after an initial exclusion period. Insurers require professional referencing and sometimes periodic re-checks. Arrears from the first months are often excluded. Legal expenses cover helps pursue eviction, recover arrears or defend disputes. Since the Renters' Rights Act 2025, possession routes in England changed — check that policy wordings reflect current law. ## Unoccupied lets, HMOs and tax Standard landlord policies limit void periods — often 30–60 consecutive days unoccupied. Extended voids, refurbishment or probate need specialist unoccupied property insurance. HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) need licences in many councils and may require specialist cover reflecting higher fire-safety obligations. Landlord insurance premiums, like letting agent fees and maintenance, are generally deductible against rental profits on your Self Assessment. Keep invoices for MTD records if you are in scope. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do tenants need insurance if I have landlord cover? Yes for their belongings. Your buildings and contents cover your structure and fittings; tenants' contents insurance protects their possessions and may include tenant liability cover. ### Does landlord insurance cover boiler breakdown? Some policies include home emergency cover for boilers, heating and plumbing; others sell it as an add-on. It is separate from the annual gas safety certificate you must obtain by law. ### Can I claim on landlord insurance for wear and tear? No. Insurance covers sudden insured events, not gradual deterioration. Replacing worn carpets between tenancies is a maintenance cost, not a claim. ## Primary source https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/property/ ## Related - [Buy-to-let tax basics](https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/buy-to-let-tax-basics/) - [Buildings vs contents](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/buildings-vs-contents-insurance-explained/) - [Compare home insurance](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/compare-home-insurance-guide/) - [Tenant deposit protection](https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/tenant-deposit-protection/) - [Buy-to-let yield calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/buy-to-let-yield-calculator/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.