Choosing the right cover for a rental property in the ...
HMO Landlord Insurance
HMO landlord insurance is tailored for property owners who rent to multiple, unrelated tenants under one roof. This form of cover can offer vital protection for landlords managing more complex tenancy arrangements, which often carry heightened risks compared to standard lets. We work with a panel of insurers to help you find policies that could meet the specific demands of running an HMO property.
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Call us or complete our online quote form. We’ll collect a few key details about your business.
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We’ll contact you to confirm everything, talk through your needs, and match you with the right level of cover.
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We compare quotes from our panel of 20+ insurers, present your options, and explain the details before you buy.
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What Is HMO Landlord Insurance?
HMO landlord insurance is designed for properties that are rented to three or more tenants from different households who share communal facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms. These properties typically require more robust insurance due to the increased risk of damage, liability, and occupancy turnover.
Who May Need HMO Insurance?
You may need HMO landlord insurance if you rent out property to multiple tenants on separate tenancy agreements. Examples include:
- Student houses
- Multi-let professional properties
- House shares
- Bedsits
Most local authorities require HMO landlords to be licensed, and appropriate insurance may be a condition of your licence.
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What Could Be Included in an HMO Landlord Insurance Policy?
While specific features can vary between insurers, HMO landlord insurance could include the following:
Buildings Insurance
Protection against structural damage caused by incidents such as fire, flooding, subsidence, or storms.
Landlord Contents Insurance
Covers furniture, appliances, and fittings that belong to the landlord within the property. This typically excludes tenants’ possessions.
Property Owners’ Liability Cover
Covers potential legal liabilities if a tenant or visitor is injured on the premises and the landlord is found to be at fault.
Loss of Rent
Provides cover for rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.
Accidental or Malicious Damage by Tenants
May cover damage to the property caused intentionally or accidentally by tenants.
Legal Expenses Cover
Assistance with legal fees relating to disputes, evictions, or debt recovery.
Why Is Specialist HMO Insurance Important?
HMO properties are generally deemed higher risk due to:
- Increased number of occupants
- Greater wear and tear on property
- Higher likelihood of accidental damage or liability claims
- More complex tenant relationships
Because of these risks, some standard landlord insurance policies may not cover HMO properties or may not offer sufficient protection.
FAQs
In many cases, yes. Most insurers may require confirmation that your HMO is properly licensed with the local authority. Failure to obtain a licence for a licensable HMO could invalidate your cover.
The cost of HMO insurance can vary based on several factors, including:
- Property location and rebuild value
- Number of tenants and storeys
- Type of tenants (e.g., students vs professionals)
- Claims history
- Security measures in place
We can help compare a range of insurers to find a suitable policy based on your circumstances.
Every insurance policy has exclusions. HMO insurance policies could typically exclude:
- Damage caused by tenants’ belongings
- Wear and tear
- Unoccupied properties for extended periods
- Illegal activity taking place at the property
Always check the terms and conditions of any policy you consider.
Depending on your property and risk exposure, you might also consider:
- Emergency assistance cover
- Employers’ liability insurance (if staff maintain the property)
- Alternative accommodation cover for tenants
When comparing residential landlord insurance, it’s important to consider more than just price. We encourage landlords to:
- Assess the rebuild cost of the property
- Decide whether contents cover is necessary
- Consider how long they could afford to lose rental income
- Check the terms for unoccupied properties
- Evaluate optional extras like legal or rent protection
Working with a broker can make it easier to tailor cover to suit your individual circumstances.