This is a question that we get asked regularly and so we will take this opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of arranging tenants contents insurance.

When you decide on a property to rent, more often that not, the letting agent will suggest that you arrange some level of tenants contents insurance.  Despite the fact that you may think this is just another fee you have to pay or a sales pitch from the Agent, it is in fact, highly advisable that you do arrange tenants contents insurance – for your own peace of mind.

Picture this scenario – you rent a flat and it is costing you xxx amount per month.  The Agent asked for a deposit (normally 6 weeks of rent) at the start of the tenancy and that will be held against any damages / dilapidations caused during your stay.  Hopefully the Agent instructed a property inventory so that you and the landlord can agree the condition and contents of the property before and at the end of the agreement.

You decide to have a few friends over to the property on a Friday night for a few drinks.  The night proceeds and all is well.  Suddenly, one of your friends accidentally drops a glass of red wine over the brand new cream coloured carpets – you panic.  You pour a glass of white wine and bi-carbonate soda over the stain but it is not working, you are left with a big patch of rose on the carpet.

It gets worse; a fire breaks out because someone forgot to check the oven and your meatball sub just caught alight.  You manage to put the fire out but the kitchen curtains were damaged in the mini-blaze.  You noticed that the fire also damaged the water pipes and now you can see a leak dripping onto the tiled floor.

Another friend slips on the formation of water on the kitchen floor and bangs their head on the way down and needs to be taken to the hospital to be checked out – all is ok.

The leak is spreading fast and within an hour, the entire kitchen is flooded.  You manage to block the leak with your thumb long enough for a plumber to get out to repair it however, the damage is that bad that you need to find alternative accommodation for the next few days whilst all is repaired and dried out.

Your friends leave the party and you are left with the mess to clean up and a rather hefty bill to pay on the damages.  I would suggest that at this stage, your 6 weeks rent does not nearly cover it.

Enter Tenants Contents Insurance:

Now, if you had arranged Tenants Contents Insurance the following would usually apply:

• Replace the carpet in the lounge – Covered
• Repair the oven – covered
• Replace the kitchen curtains – covered
• Repair damage caused by flood – covered
• Pay for alternative accommodation – covered

This cost around £100 – £200 for a year’s worth of protection – you covered your possessions, the landlord’s contents and you protected your deposit at the end of the tenancy agreement.

Now, this would be a rather unfortunate evening and we are obviously being slightly over zealous, however the majority of claims by tenants is for spilling red wine on the carpet – and be honest with yourself, how many people do you know that have done just that.

I did it just last night so that is one person at least.

Get a quote here for tenants contents insurance.

* Always read the contents policy to determine what is and not incuded.