Landlord’s insurance – Do you even need it?
So you’re thinking about renting out a property, but the world of insurance feels confusing. Is landlord’s insurance really necessary? And can you simply rely on your current homeowner’s policy?
Renting out a property brings risks that standard home insurance doesn’t cover—damage caused by tenants, legal claims if someone is injured, or lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. Mortgage lenders usually require landlord insurance, and even if they don’t, relying on a standard policy can leave you unprotected or even invalidate your cover.
Before you put tenants in your home—whether it’s family, friends, or strangers—it’s essential to understand what landlord insurance includes, what it doesn’t, and when you legally or contractually need it. This guide explains everything you need to know so you can make the right decision and protect both your property and your income.
What is landlord’s insurance?
Landlord’s insurance is like homeowner’s insurance but specifically designed for rental activities. Your mortgage lender will probably require you to have landlord’s insurance if you are renting the property, as renting can be a risky business.
If you move out of your mortgaged home and rent it, you must check with your mortgage provider that this is acceptable under their terms. They will typically require you to update your insurance policy to a landlord’s policy.
What does this insurance cover you for?
Landlord insurance covers you for three main types of losses:
Property damage
Much like homeowners’ insurance, a specialist landlord policy will cover you for damage to the property. Should storms, snows, and freezing temperatures, or fire damage your home, the policy will cover this.
Landlord’s insurance will also cover you for contents such as kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and any other appliances you leave in the property for your tenant to use. It will not cover your tenant for their contents, however.
For example, if there were to be a break-in, your tenant cannot claim on your insurance for their property. It’s up to to your tenant to arrange their own contents insurance for items of value such as laptops left in the property.
Liability
If your tenant were to sustain an injury while in your property, they could very well make a claim and try to sue you. In which case, you would be protected, and your policy provider would settle with your tenant. You wouldn’t have to worry about being taken to court.
If your tenant’s guest, however, were to suffer an injury, there would be no use them attempting to sue you. The tenant’s renters’ insurance would manage the claim.
Loss of rental income
Finally, the landlord’s insurance can help you with lost rental income. It might be your home is damaged by storms, and you suffer a loss of income. It depends on your policy what you may be covered for. You may need to rehouse tenants in other accommodation.
Maybe your tenant stops paying, and you need to pay for eviction. Once again, different policies will cover different things.
Is landlord’s insurance more expensive?
As mentioned above, this insurance covers you for more than a homeowner’s policy. Because you’ll be protected for liability and losing rental income, expect to pay more your policy. However, the additional premium will only be around 25% more than a standard homeowner’s policy.
Is landlord’s insurance a legal requirement?
No. You need not have this insurance, and it’s not a legal requirement. If you own your property outright, then no one will force you to take out a specialist policy. However, know that you could be liable for expensive claims if your tenant were to sue you for hurting themselves in your home.
You also won’t be covered for loss of rental income, and your simple homeowner’s policy would be invalid if you were to put in a claim for damage caused by tenants. For the small additional premium, it’s probably worth buying this policy.
Do I need landlord’s insurance if renting to family members?
It’s a common mistake to think since you trust family members not to sue, you don’t need it. Mortgage lenders don’t see things that way and will still require you to have landlord’s insurance. You’ll still need a tenancy agreement in place, along with your mortgage lender’s approval.
That being said, you may choose to buy a cheaper policy that just covers buildings and contents, and property owners liability cover. You may skip additional protection, such as policies that cover you for tenants not paying and help with eviction costs.
Good to know
You can find out more about tenancy agreements in our 5-minute guide.
Do I need this type of insurance if I live in the property?
Regardless of whether you are renting out a whole property or just renting a room to a lodger, if your home is mortgaged, it’s likely they will require you to take out landlord’s insurance. It’s also important to contact your mortgage provider to see if they will allow you to have a lodger.
Most home insurance policies only allow for the homeowner and immediate family. While you may update the policy to reflect a lodger, you will likely need to buy a specialist policy.
Do I need landlord’s insurance and building’s insurance?
No. Landlord’s insurance is a type of insurance that will cover you for structural damage to your home. Similarly, it also covers contents, so you will only need one policy. Insuring your property twice is a waste of money since you can only claim on one policy. To make a dual claim would be illegal.
FAQs
Is landlord insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
No, it isn’t legally required. However, many mortgage lenders insist on it, and standard home insurance won’t cover rental activity. Without landlord insurance, you’re exposed to risks like tenant damage, loss of rent, and liability claims.
What does landlord insurance typically cover?
Most policies include buildings insurance, liability protection, accidental damage, and sometimes loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable. Optional add-ons include legal expenses, malicious damage, and emergency cover. Policies vary, so always check the details carefully.
Do landlords really benefit from having insurance?
Yes. It protects you financially against costly repairs, legal disputes, and unexpected events that standard home insurance won’t cover. Even careful tenants and well-maintained homes can face accidents, leaks, or emergencies—making landlord insurance a valuable safety net.
Landlord’s Insurance: Things to remember
- Landlord insurance is different from homeowner’s insurance : Standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover rental activity. If you rent out a mortgaged property, your lender will usually require a landlord policy. It protects you from risks linked to renting—something a normal policy won’t do and may invalidate if you try to claim.
- It covers three key risks: damage, liability, and lost rent : Landlord insurance protects against property damage (storms, fire, break-ins), covers your fixtures and furniture, shields you from legal claims if a tenant is injured, and may reimburse lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. Tenants must insure their own belongings separately.
- It costs more than homeowner insurance—but offers far more protection : Expect to pay around 25% more than a regular home insurance policy, since landlord cover includes liability and lost rent protection. The higher premium is often worth it, as it prevents huge out-of-pocket costs in the event of accidents, damage, or legal issues.
- It’s not legally required, but strongly recommended : Landlord insurance isn’t mandatory by law, but most mortgage lenders require it. Without it, you’re fully liable if a tenant sues, your rental income stops, or tenants cause damage. Homeowner insurance usually won’t cover rental-related claims, leaving you financially exposed.
- Even renting to family or lodgers still requires proper cover : Renting to relatives doesn’t remove the need for landlord insurance—lenders still expect it. Even renting just a room to a lodger may require specialist cover. Some landlords choose cheaper policies for family tenants, but proper liability and buildings protection remain essential.
