Landlords often juggle the risks of missed rent and costly legal proceedings. Rent guarantee insurance (RGI) and legal expense insurance (LEI) are designed to shoulder these burdens. In this article, we explain what these insurance products cover, and how the rent protection included in LettingaProperty.com’s plans gives you similar peace of mind as a built-in service benefit.
In short: rent guarantee insurance pays your rent if a tenant defaults, and legal expense insurance covers the cost of possession proceedings. LettingaProperty.com is not an insurance company: the rent protection in our plans is a service benefit built into the plan, not an insurance policy sold to you. Either way, you must still follow the correct legal process for your nation.
What Are Rent Guarantee Insurance and Legal Expense Insurance?
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Rent Guarantee Insurance (RGI):
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Covers lost rental income if a tenant falls into rent arrears and refuses (or is unable) to pay.
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Typically pays monthly rent up to a pre‑agreed limit and for a defined period (e.g. up to 3 or 6 months).
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Kicks in once you’ve served the appropriate notices (a Section 8 notice, since Section 21 was abolished in England on 1 May 2026) and complied with insurer requirements.
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Legal Expense Insurance (LEI):
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Covers the legal costs associated with recovering rent arrears, serving notices and, if necessary, pursuing eviction through the courts.
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Includes solicitor fees, court application fees and bailiff charges.
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Ensures you have expert legal backing without unexpected bills.
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Together, Rent Guarantee Insurance and Legal Expense Insurance give you peace of mind: steady cash flow and professional support to handle tenant issues.
Rent Protection Built into Our Plans
At LettingaProperty.com, you can choose the level of service that best suits your needs:
| Plan Name | Core Service | Rent Protection | Property Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent Assured | Rent protection (service benefit) | Up to 3 months’ rent (£3,000 max) | No |
| Complete Care | Rent Assured benefits + property maintenance service | Up to 6 months’ rent (£12,000 max) | Yes |
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Includes rent protection as a service benefit: up to three months’ rent, capped at £3,000.
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Ideal for landlords who want reliable income without day‑to‑day involvement.
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Includes all Rent Assured benefits alongside full property maintenance and tenant liaison.
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Rent protection for up to six months, capped at £12,000.
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You can also compare all our plans here: Plans & Pricing.
Do You Need Rent Protection or Insurance?
If you’re a landlord seeking security, our Rent Assured and Complete Care plans – are designed to safeguard your income and your peace of mind. book a 15-minute call with one of our lettings experts to discuss our plans and your specific lettings needs.
A note on regulation: LettingaProperty.com is a lettings and property management service, not an insurance company. We are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and we do not sell, arrange or advise on insurance products. The rent protection included in our plans is a contractual service benefit of the plan, not an insurance policy.
For Buildings and Contents Insurance (a regulated insurance product), we’ve partnered with Alan Boswell Group, a regulated insurance broker. Get a tailored quote for your rental property today – and if you already have cover, they’ll aim to beat your current premium. Get your insurance quote with Alan Boswell Group
Empower your landlord journey with LettingaProperty.com – because when the unexpected happens, you deserve to be protected.
Rent Recovery and Possession in England, Wales and Scotland
Rent guarantee and legal expense cover support possession, but the process it pays for differs by nation.
England
Cover typically pays out once you have served the correct notice and followed the process. In England that means a Section 8 notice on the rent-arrears grounds, then a possession claim in the county court.
Wales
Possession for serious rent arrears is pursued as a contract-holder matter under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, using the correct notice and the county court.
Scotland
Rent-arrears possession is dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, and pre-action requirements must be met before you apply.
Rent Protection and Landlord Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions
Is LettingaProperty.com an insurance company?
No. LettingaProperty.com is a lettings and property management service, not an insurance company, and we are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The rent protection included in our plans is a contractual service benefit of the plan, not an insurance policy sold to you.
What is the difference between rent guarantee and legal expense insurance?
Rent guarantee insurance pays your rent if the tenant defaults, usually up to an agreed limit and period, while legal expense insurance covers the legal costs of pursuing possession or other disputes. Both are regulated insurance products when bought from an insurer or broker.
When does rent protection pay out?
Typically once the tenant has fallen into arrears and the correct notice has been served and the required process followed. Always check the specific terms, as cover levels and waiting periods vary.
Does rent protection cover the whole tenancy?
No. Cover is usually capped at a monthly amount and a maximum number of months. For example, the rent protection service benefit in our Rent Assured plan covers up to £3,000 over three months, and Complete Care up to £12,000 over six months.
Is rent protection worth it?
For many landlords it provides valuable peace of mind, protecting income and legal costs if a tenant stops paying. It is especially useful if you rely on the rent to cover a mortgage.
Do I still need to follow the legal eviction process?
Yes. Neither insurance nor a rent protection benefit removes the need to serve the correct notice and obtain a possession order through the court or tribunal for your nation.
