Buy to let insurance
- £7,500 contents cover included (when building affected at the same time)
- For self-managed and agency-managed properties
- Underwritten by AXA Insurance.
- Average quote time is only 10 minutes
More information
What is buy-to-let insurance?
If you are a landlord who has bought a property specifically to rent it out then you are probably no stranger to shopping around for the best buy-to-let mortgage. The same should be true of your property insurance.
Although it’s not a legal requirement to have buy-to-let property insurance, your mortgage company may require it and there are obviously several specific risks you face as a landlord when letting out a house.
What does buy-to-let insurance cover?
You need to protect your investment, and normal residential home insurance is just not suited to your situation.
What if there’s a burglary? Or your tenants refuse to pay rent? As well as the buildings and contents insurance, you will need to think about loss of rental income and the risks for which you are liable when letting your property to tenants. Also, remember that any tenants ought to get contents insurance themselves as their belongings will not be covered by your landlords insurance policy, especially if it’s an unfurnished let.
Nowadays house shares are more and more common. If you are letting a property with multiple occupants (one that has three or more storeys with five or more residents), then you will need to obtain an HMO licence from the local council. You must also have extra measures in place when it comes to fire safety, as these types of properties are typically at more risk than a family home.
As a buy-to-let landlord you need to consider the possibility that your property will be left unoccupied for several weeks or even months of the year, particularly if you are renting the house out to students. You also need to think of the impact that tenants can have; as you cannot physically supervise your tenants 24/7 you cannot guarantee that your property will be well looked after. Accidents can happen!
How Homeprotect buy-to-let insurance is different
With Homeprotect buy-to-let insurance, it doesn’t matter what type of property you own, where it is located or even how many residents are living there. When it comes to providing the right level of cover to suit your individual circumstances, we ready to provide a quote.
Does buy to let insurance cover against legal claims by tenants?
If a tenant were to injure themselves as a result of a problem with the property, such as tripping over loose flooring, as the landlord you could be held responsible. In these circumstances, buy-to-let insurance will cover the cost of compensation claims and legal fees.
Will I be covered for loss of rent?
It depends on the reason that you have lost rent. If your tenants have to move out after a fire or a flood, for example, you should be covered for the rent that you lose as a result. It can also cover the cost of arranging alternative accommodation for your tenants.
Homeprotect offers up to £30,000 per claim, on the basis that there is a contract in place clearly detailing the amount of rent due.
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Landlord Insurance Cover Levels
Our landlord insurance is designed to protect your property against insured events such as fire, storm, flood, escape of water, theft, malicious damage, subsidence, landslip or heave.
Buildings cover
Protects the main structure of your home, including attached garages and conservatories, and permanent outdoor features such as patios, driveways and boundary walls.
up to £1 million
(more cover available if you need it)
Contents cover
Protects landlord contents (e.g. white goods, furnishings, window coverings) on a new for old basis. £7,500 of landlord contents cover is included as standard with buildings insurance.
up to £30,000
(more cover available if you need it)
Loss of Rent
If your tenants can’t live in the property due to an insured event, we’ll cover the rent you would have received.
up to £30,000
Landlord Home emergency
Covers sudden emergencies like water leaks or heating breakdowns. We’ll aim to get help to you within hours.
up to £500
Trace and access
Covers the cost of locating a water or oil leak and reinstating any disturbed flooring or walls.
up to £10,000
Outbuildings cover
Covers detached garages, sheds and similar structures within your boundary or legal responsibility.
from £20,000
Liability cover
Covers legal liability for injury or damage to others or their property.
up to £5 million
Family Legal Protection
Included as standard if you don’t select the landlord-specific upgrade.
up to £25,000
Landlord Legal Protection with Rent Guarantee
24/7 legal helpline and up to £50,000 for disputes, rent recovery, repossession and rent guarantees (subject to conditions).
Optional
Accidental damage
Optional cover for unexpected mishaps around the home — such as breakages, spillages or damage caused by you, your guests or wild animals. Two levels of cover are available.
Optional
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What’s covered by landlords home insurance?
Landlords insurance provides financial protection if you need to repair the property you let or replace your belongings after they’ve been stolen, damaged or destroyed.
It comes in two parts: buildings insurance (cover against damage to the property itself) and contents insurance (for damaged or stolen items within the home). These can be combined or bought separately, so the first step is deciding which option is better for you.
What we offer
Emergency help when you need it most
If you have a home emergency — such as a power outage, uncontrollable leak or a broken lock — our 24/7 Home Emergency cover is included as standard.
- We aim to get an engineer to you within four hours
- For serious water leaks, we’ll try to have a plumber with you in two hours
Response times may vary during extreme weather. Policy terms and claim limits apply.
Repair guarantee
We guarantee any buildings work we arrange after a claim for two years. Contents repairs are guaranteed for one year.
New for old
Where we replace a damaged or stolen item, we’ll do our best to match the original — on a ‘new for old’ basis. If that’s not possible, we’ll offer a suitable alternative or a full cash settlement.
Legal support when you need it
Family Legal Protection is included as standard. You’ll have access to expert telephone legal advice on personal matters under the laws of the UK and most of Europe.
What isn’t covered?
There are some things we can’t cover, including:
Gradual damage, wear and tear, or issues you knew about but didn’t fix
Faulty design, construction, or workmanship.
Damage caused by poor maintenance or neglect
Malicious damage or theft by tenants, unless you meet our policy conditions (see below)
Mechanical or electrical breakdown
Keeping your home and belongings in good condition is essential. If damage happens because of neglect or poor maintenance, your claim may be declined, and your policy could be cancelled.
Deliberate or illegal acts by tenants
If damage is caused deliberately or illegally by tenants (e.g. theft or malicious damage), we’ll cover up to £5,000 per claim — but only if the following conditions are met:
Tenancy Agreement
- A valid Tenancy Agreement must be in place for all tenants.
Regular inspections
- The property (inside and out) must be inspected at least once every 3 months, or as often as allowed in the agreement.
- A written inspection log must be kept for 24 months and reviewed every 6 months.
Tenant checks before letting
- At least one rent payment must be received from the tenant’s verified bank account.
- A copy of formal photo ID (passport or driving licence) must be kept for each tenant.
- Credit references must be obtained from a licensed agency (with permission to share if you claim).
No subletting
- Subletting is not allowed. If discovered, you must act to remove sub-tenants as soon as possible.
Not covered:
- Damage from lets under 90 days unless the let is licensed and meets legal standards
- Damage if the property is unoccupied
- Any amount you could legally recover from tenants, whether collected or not
New Customer?
If you’re deciding on whether to buy home insurance with us, you can use our latest policy booklets as a guide.
Existing Customer?
Find answers to some of your questions here. Your latest policy documents are also available to view and download.
Your Questions Answered
Yes, if you add our Legal Expenses for Landlords with Rent Guarantee. You’re covered for legal costs to recover overdue rent and for a portion of rent arrears during eviction, subject to policy terms.
Yes, if you add Home Emergency cover with boiler protection. We’ll aim to get a qualified engineer to the property within hours.
Homeprotect buildings insurance will cover lost rent (up to £30,000 per claim) if you or your tenants can’t live in the home due to an insured loss, such as fire, flood or escape of water. Rent is defined as the amount you’re expected to receive as a landlord as detailed within your tenancy agreement. If you’re a leaseholder of your property rent also includes ground rent which you are liable for. Policy terms and conditions apply.
The difference between a residential and a commercial landlord is to do with the type of property they let out and is not whether their activities as a landlord constitute their full-time occupation or not.
Residential landlords let out homes, which are also known as ‘residential properties’. Commercial landlords let out properties that are used for commercial purposes such as shops or offices.
Yes. As the owner of the property, you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of it, ensuring it is safe to live in and is not in a state of disrepair. If a tenant is injured, or their property is damaged, either on or in connection with your property, you could be liable to pay compensation. Buy-to-let insurance can help to cover these expenses.
Accidental damage cover is optional.
Each property needs its own policy unless they’re in a single block (e.g. converted flats). Get in touch to discuss block policy options.
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