When renting out a property, it is important to understand exactly what buy-to-let insurance can cover. There is no single legal requirement for landlords to hold this type of policy in the UK. However, many mortgage lenders, letting agreements, and risk management strategies make it a recommended choice.

In this guide, we outline six key types of cover to help protect your property, income, and legal position as a landlord.

What Is Buy-to-Let Insurance?

Buy-to-let insurance is designed specifically for rental properties. It offers protection that standard home insurance often does not. This includes cover for building damage, tenant-related claims, and income loss.

We support landlords in arranging policies that suit the type of property they let and the tenants they work with.

1. Buildings Insurance

Buildings insurance is often the core of any buy-to-let policy. It protects the structure of the property against risks such as:

• Fire

• Storm or flood

• Burst pipes

• Vandalism

If the building is damaged, this insurance may cover repair or rebuild costs. Most mortgage lenders require landlords to have this protection in place.

2. Landlord Contents Insurance

If you provide furniture or white goods in a rental property, landlord contents insurance may be important. It typically covers:

• Furniture

• Appliances such as fridges or washing machines

• Fixtures and fittings

This cover applies only to items owned by the landlord. Tenants should arrange their own insurance for personal belongings.

3. Loss of Rental Income Cover

Damage from a fire or flood may make a property uninhabitable. If tenants must move out, rent payments could stop.

Loss of rental income cover helps maintain your income while repairs are carried out. This can support cash flow and help with ongoing costs such as mortgage repayments.

4. Public Liability Insurance

If someone is injured due to something on your property, you could face legal action. This might include:

• Tenants

• Visitors

• Contractors or tradespeople

Public liability insurance can help cover legal costs and any compensation awarded. It helps protect landlords from unexpected financial claims linked to injury or property damage.

5. Legal Expenses Cover

Disputes can happen in any rental arrangement. Legal expenses insurance may assist with:

• Eviction processes

• Contract disputes

• Health and safety claims

This cover can help with solicitor fees, court costs, and other legal expenses if action is needed to protect your position.

6. Rent Guarantee Insurance

If a tenant stops paying rent, it can put pressure on your finances. Rent guarantee insurance may cover unpaid rent for a set period. It is different from loss of income caused by property damage and can be a useful addition for landlords who rely on steady payments.

Choosing the Right Amount of Cover

The right level of cover depends on several factors:

• The rebuild value of the property

• The amount of rental income

• Whether the property is furnished

• The type of tenants

We work with landlords to ensure their policies reflect these needs, helping avoid gaps in protection.

Buy-to-Let Insurance Checklist Summary

When reviewing your landlord insurance, consider these six key types of cover:

• Buildings insurance

• Landlord contents insurance

• Loss of rental income cover

• Public liability insurance

• Legal expenses cover

• Rent guarantee insurance

Having these protections in place can help reduce financial risk and provide greater peace of mind when letting property.