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- What is Buildings and Contents Insurance?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance to let my property?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- What is the difference between Buildings and Contents Insurance and homeowners insurance?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance if I have a lodger?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Why do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Does my tenant need insurance?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Is Buildings and Contents Insurance a legal requirement?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Do I need to purchase insurance from my mortgage provider?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- How can I purchase Buildings and Contents Insurance?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- How the Renters’ Rights Act affects landlord cover<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Landlord insurance in England, Wales and Scotland<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What is Buildings and Contents Insurance?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Buildings and Contents Insurance covers the cost of repairing the structure of your rental property and replacing damaged and\/or stolen items kept inside. Buildings and Contents Insurance can be purchased as separate policies, but it’s often easier and simpler for landlords to take out one policy that covers both.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The \u2018Buildings\u2019 element of the insurance covers just that \u2013 the building. It protects your property from damage caused by bad weather, fallen trees, frozen or burst pipes<\/a>, fires and explosions<\/a> \u2013 plus situations that involve people, such as vehicle collisions, vandalism or theft. Your policy can cover a whole host of things, but it must be noted that small maintenance and repair work needed due to general wear and tear is not covered by Buildings and Contents Insurance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The \u201cContents\u201d part protects everything in the property that the landlord has supplied. This can range from anything such as electrical appliances<\/a>, white goods and large furniture to carpets, curtains and blinds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance to let my property?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Many landlords are under the wrong impression that their property is covered under their homeowner\u2019s insurance. The reality is that homeowner\u2019s insurance is not applicable to a rental property and will not cover your damages \u2013 but why aren\u2019t all landlords aware of this?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As we know, people can become landlords in various ways. Some purchase a property with the intention of operating it as a business – better known as buy-to-let landlords. These \u2018intentional\u2019 landlords are often familiar with the rental industry or \u2013 if it\u2019s their first rental property \u2013 they are likely to seek professional advice to make sure they have the correct documents in place<\/a> \u2013 insurance included.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Others can become landlords unintentionally \u2013 perhaps they\u2019ve inherited a property in their relatives will or have moved into their partner\u2019s home. In this circumstance, a new landlord may be unfamiliar with the documents they need and incorrectly assume that homeowner\u2019s insurance will suffice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Building and Contents Insurance isn’t the only insurance policy you need. Take a look at our previous article<\/a> to find out what other insurance policies landlords should have.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How is it different to homeowner’s insurance?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
While you live in your home as an owner-occupier, your homeowner\u2019s insurance is based on the fact that you yourself are living there. As the occupier, you are in sole control of the property; taking good care of it and only allowing people you know into your home. As a result, the risk of loss or damage is lower and your insurance company will charge a premium that reflects this modest risk.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you decide to let your entire home, then your existing insurance may well be totally inadequate. Insurance companies take a dim view of suddenly finding that a home they thought was owner-occupied is being used by someone else completely. Their risk is far greater and the policies you have are unlikely to provide all the protection you need in any event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It is highly likely that a claim would be rejected<\/a> if they are not advised of any change in circumstances relating to the property they insure \u2013 including it being unoccupied for any significant period, perhaps while renovations are being undertaken, or between lettings. They will certainly not cover legal expenses or rent recovery in the event of default. In this case, it is essential to seek professional advice to ensure that you have adequate property owners\u2019 insurance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance if I have a lodger?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you have a lodger, homeowner\u2019s insurance is enough as you, the homeowner, are also living in the property. This being said, you must inform your insurance provider of any lodgers you take on or your policy may be invalidated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If there are \u2018other\u2019 people using the property, either on an occasional basis or all the time \u2013 the risk of loss is greater, and your insurance provider will need to charge more to cover the increased chance of claims. If your insurance provider does not know that your property is being let \u2013 even partially \u2013 they cannot receive the right money and your claim may be rejected for what is called \u201cnon-disclosure\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you let furnished accommodation in your own home to a lodger and your total receipts (rent plus income from meals, laundry service, etc) are \u00a37,500 or below you can get this income tax-free under the \u2018Rent a Room\u2019 scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The scheme has encouraged many people with spare space at home to let a room. It is important, however, to ensure that your insurance company is informed and the facts are noted on your policy. This may cost a little more \u2013 and some restrictions on the cover may apply \u2013 but you will then know that you are covered and will not receive an unpleasant surprise should a claim be turned down.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Why do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To put it simply \u2013 Buildings and Contents Insurance<\/a> provides your property with complete protection. If you and your tenant were met with a catastrophic situation, such as a flood, a fire<\/a> or a burglary \u2013 footing the bill is the last thing you\u2019ll want to think about.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Having Buildings and Contents Insurance provides you with total peace of mind. Whilst the likelihood of an unfortunate event unfolding is low \u2013 these things do happen, and its best to be prepared than to be left out of pocket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Buildings and Contents Insurance protects your property inside and out \u2013 meaning if any furnishings or appliances you supply to the tenant is damaged, the cost is covered. Having this protection in place gives you a level of reassurance and could save unnecessary animosity or disputes with your tenant when it comes to their deposit. This being said, it is still wise to conduct a full inventory and schedule of condition<\/a> before the tenant moves in – even if your contents is covered.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Want your rent protected even if the tenant stops paying? Our Rent Assured<\/a> and Complete Care<\/a> plans include rent protection as a built-in service benefit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How the Renters’ Rights Act affects landlord cover<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025<\/a> abolished Section 21 “no-fault” evictions in England from 1 May 2026, so regaining possession now runs through the Section 8 grounds and can take longer. That makes protecting your rental income and legal costs more valuable than before. Our Rent Assured<\/a> and Complete Care<\/a> plans include rent protection and support with possession costs as built-in service benefits (we are not an insurance company), alongside a fully supported managed service<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Landlord insurance in England, Wales and Scotland<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Buildings and Contents Insurance itself works the same way across Great Britain, but the legal system your cover sits alongside differs by nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
England<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Possession runs through the Section 8 grounds and the county courts under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which is what any legal expenses cover will respond to. There is no national landlord register, though some councils operate selective licensing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Wales<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Tenancies are occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, with their own notices and possession process, and landlords must be registered and licensed with Rent Smart Wales. Tell your insurer the property is in Wales and let under an occupation contract so any legal expenses element responds correctly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Scotland<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Most lets are Private Residential Tenancies, disputes and possession go to the First-tier Tribunal rather than the courts, and landlord registration with the local council is mandatory. Flats in tenement buildings often share communal repair responsibilities, which is worth raising when you arrange buildings cover.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Does my tenant need insurance?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Whilst Buildings and Contents Insurance protects the items you <\/em>provide, it does not cover the tenant’s. When your tenant moves in, it\u2019s a good idea to remind them to purchase their own contents insurance policy<\/a> to protect their own belongings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Is it a legal requirement?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Having Buildings and Contents insurance is not a legal requirement, however, it is strongly recommended when letting a property. Landlords must bear in mind that Buildings Insurance is likely to be a part of the terms of their mortgage. If you\u2019re not sure, be sure to check your mortgage agreement to confirm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Do I need to purchase insurance from my mortgage provider?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
No, you don\u2019t. It used to be compulsory for homeowners to purchase their insurance from the mortgage lender, but this is no longer the case. The Office of Fair Trading ruled that this was unfair \u2013 however, many people still purchase from their mortgage lender because they wrongly believe they have to.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How can I purchase Buildings and Contents Insurance for my property?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Alan Boswell offer Buildings and Contents Insurance to landlords all across the UK. If you already have a policy, don’t worry – Alan Boswell will aim to beat your current premium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance to let my property?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
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