UK landlord insurance guide

Landlord Insurance UK 2026

Everything UK landlords need to know about buildings cover, loss of rent protection, liability and legal expenses insurance.

Standard home insurance is not valid for rental properties

If you rent out a property on standard home insurance and make a claim, your insurer may refuse to pay out. You need specialist landlord insurance from day one.

What landlord insurance covers

Buildings insurance

Essential

Covers the structure of the property against fire, flood, subsidence and other damage. Required by most mortgage lenders.

Contents insurance

Covers furniture and appliances you provide in a furnished or part-furnished rental. Not needed for unfurnished properties.

Loss of rent cover

Pays your rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event. Typically covers 12-24 months of rent.

Property owners liability

Covers claims from tenants or visitors injured at the property. Usually £1-5 million of cover.

Legal expenses cover

Covers the cost of eviction proceedings, rent recovery and other legal disputes with tenants.

Accidental damage cover

Covers accidental damage caused by tenants beyond normal wear and tear. Optional add-on.

How to get landlord insurance

Use a whole-of-market broker rather than going direct to one insurer — they can compare dozens of policies
Tell your insurer the property is let — do not use standard home insurance
Declare the correct rebuild value (not the market value) for buildings insurance
Check that HMO properties are covered if applicable — not all policies cover shared houses
Consider legal expenses cover given the complexity of the Renters Rights Act 2025

Get landlord insurance quotes

Contact us and we will refer you to a whole-of-market landlord insurance broker who can compare quotes from leading UK insurers.

Get insurance quotes

Frequently asked questions

Is landlord insurance a legal requirement?

Buildings insurance is not a legal requirement but is almost always required by mortgage lenders. Standard home insurance is invalid for rental properties — you need specialist landlord cover.

How much does landlord insurance cost?

Typically £150-400 per year for a standard property, depending on location, value, whether furnished and the level of cover. HMO properties cost more to insure.

Do I need landlord insurance for a lodger?

If you are renting a room in your own home, tell your home insurer about the lodger. Many standard home insurance policies extend to cover this, but you must notify them.

What is not covered by landlord insurance?

Fair wear and tear, deliberate damage by the landlord, properties unoccupied for more than 30-60 days (check your policy), and damage covered by the tenant's own contents insurance.

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