When arranging residential landlord insurance in the UK, it can be easy to assume standard policies cover everything. However, there are several common mistakes property owners make when choosing or reviewing their level of cover. Overlooking these could leave landlords exposed to financial risks.

We highlight the most frequent errors and explain how arranging the right type of cover can help protect your business and your rental property.

1. Assuming Standard Home Insurance Is Enough

Many new landlords believe home insurance also covers rental properties. This is rarely the case. Standard policies are designed for owner-occupied homes and may not provide financial protection if a tenant lives there.

Residential landlord insurance is designed to cover specific risks such as:

• Property damage from fire or flood
• Loss of rental income
• Public liability insurance for tenant or visitor injury claims

Without landlord-specific cover, an insurance claim may not be accepted if something goes wrong.

2. Underestimating the Right Amount of Cover

It is common for landlords to select the lowest amount of cover to save on premium costs. However, this could lead to shortfalls when a claim arises.

The correct level of cover depends on:

• The rebuild value of the property, not just its market value
• Value of landlord contents such as appliances and furnishings
• Potential insurance claims linked to personal liability

We support landlords in arranging policies that reflect the real value of their rental properties and the risks involved.

3. Forgetting About Loss of Rent Cover

If a property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event, such as a fire or serious flood, rent payments may stop. Some landlords assume this is automatically included, but loss of rent cover is often an optional extra.

Including this in your landlord insurance could help maintain income while repairs take place, providing peace of mind for property owners relying on rental payments.

4. Overlooking Liability Risks

Even if a property is well maintained, accidents can happen. If a tenant, visitor or tradesperson is injured on the premises, the landlord may face legal action.

Public liability insurance is a core feature of residential landlord insurance. It covers the cost of legal actions, defence fees and any compensation awarded due to injury or property damage linked to the rental.

Skipping this part of the policy could leave landlords financially exposed to serious claims.

5. Not Reviewing Policies Regularly

Landlord needs can change over time. Adding new properties, refurbishing buildings or switching to short-term lets could all affect the type of cover required.

We help property owners review their insurance offers regularly to make sure everything from professional services to policy limits still fit their business.

Final Thoughts: Avoiding Landlord Insurance Gaps

Getting landlord insurance right is about more than price. Making sure you have the correct professional indemnity insurance cover, public liability insurance, building and contents protection creates a stronger shield against unexpected events.

By avoiding the five mistakes outlined here, landlords can help protect their business and their rental income, whether they own a single flat or a portfolio of properties.