Unoccupied Property Insurance for Landlords

Written by

Emma Myrie

Insurance Underwriting Expert

Reviewed by

Libby Goodsearles

Head of Marketing

EMPTY HOUSE INSURANCE: SHORT TERM SOLUTIONS FOR LANDLORDS

As a residential landlord, you’re probably well aware that standard off-the-shelf house insurance does not properly protect you or your property. Instead, you need a home insurance policy that includes cover for loss of rent, alternative accommodation for tenants, and liability for accidents and so on. But did you know that you also need to declare when you are between tenants as it could affect your cover?

PREPARING YOUR EMPTY HOUSE FOR NEW TENANTS

It’s not uncommon for a house to be empty between tenants. You need to run through the inventory when a tenant leaves, so of course you will want to make sure that any necessary repairs or renovations are carried out before letting a new tenancy. You need to advertise, interview and be available for viewings. You might even be renting your UK home if you live abroad, and it can take more time to work with agencies to find and agree a new letting in situations like this.

The issue is that a property which is left empty for more than 30 days is classed as unoccupied by the majority of insurance providers, as your existing landlord insurance policy may not be suitable to cover you as usual.

UNOCCUPIED PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR BETWEEN TENANTS

If you have been able to find a new tenant in less than 30 days, then there is usually no need to alert your home insurance provider. However, if you know that the property will be unoccupied in the longer term, perhaps while you redecorate, then it’s a good idea to contact your insurer to let them know that the property is now empty.

This is also the opportune time to check for maintenance and security issues. In fact, cover for unoccupied let properties can be dependent on taking steps to preserve a lived-in appearance. This could mean simply keeping the driveway tidy, collecting post and monitoring the heating in the winter to prevent frozen pipes.

Many insurance providers have limitations when it comes to covering unoccupied let properties because of the number of risks involved. That’s not the case with us. We can offer you an online quote for unoccupied let property insurance, no matter how long it might be vacant. Our unoccupied home insurance policy is one of the most flexible in the market.

Best of all, if you’re an existing customer, you can let us know when the new tenancy agreement is signed and we’ll switch your unoccupied cover back to your landlord insurance policy in minutes ! Signed, sealed, delivered.

*Subject to terms and conditions.

What’s covered by UNOCCUPIED HOME insurance?

Your level of cover depends on whether the property is unoccupied for a short or long period. 

Short term unoccupancy (31 – 180 days)

If your home is usually occupied but will be empty for more than 30 days — and less than 181 — it is classed as unoccupied, and some restrictions apply. 

We continue to offer our standard cover, but we won’t cover the following unless the property is inspected at least once every 30 days: 

❌ WE WON’T COVER: 

• Escape of water claims occurring on or between 1 October and 1 April 
• Jewellery and watches, unless stored in a locked safe with the keys removed 
• Theft or attempted theft, unless all security features listed in your Statement of Fact are in good working order and actively used 
• Money, under any circumstance 

🔍 INSPECTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

To keep your cover valid, your property must be entered and internally inspected at least once every 30 days. You’ll need to provide evidence at the point of claim — such as dated photos, utility records or smart lock logs. 

UNOCCUPIED HOME Insurance Cover Levels

The following cover levels apply for both short and long-term unoccupancy: