Is landlord insurance a legal requirement?

Landlord insurance is not required by law, but if you have a buy-to-let mortgage your lender will almost always require buildings cover as a condition of the loan. Standard home insurance does not cover a property you let out.

What does landlord insurance cover?

A typical policy covers the building itself and property owners' (landlord) liability. Optional extras include contents for furnished lets, loss of rent, accidental or malicious damage, and legal expenses or rent guarantee cover.

Can I use normal home insurance for a rental?

No. A standard residential home insurance policy won't cover a property you rent out, and a claim could be refused. You need a landlord (buy-to-let) policy.

Does landlord insurance cover rent arrears?

Not by default, but many insurers offer optional rent guarantee or loss of rent cover that can pay out if a tenant stops paying or the property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event.

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Landlord insurance: what it covers and whether you need it

Your normal home insurance won't cover a property you rent out — and a rejected claim is a very expensive way to find that out. Here's what landlord insurance is and what to look for.

Written for UK landlords · Last updated August 2026 · 5 min read

The quick answer: Landlord insurance isn't required by law, but a buy-to-let mortgage lender will almost always insist on buildings cover. A standard home policy won't cover a let property. A good landlord policy covers the building and landlord liability, with optional extras like loss of rent, contents, accidental/malicious damage and rent guarantee.

Do you legally need it?

There's no law that says you must have landlord insurance. But two things make it close to essential in practice: first, if the property is mortgaged, your lender will require buildings insurance as a condition of the loan. Second, and more importantly, a standard residential home insurance policy does not cover a property you let out — so if you rely on it, a claim can simply be refused, leaving you to cover a fire or flood yourself.

What a landlord policy covers

Buildings. The structure itself — walls, roof, fixtures — against fire, flood, storm and similar. Usually the core of the policy (and what lenders want).

Property owners' (landlord) liability. Protects you if a tenant or visitor is injured and claims it was your fault. Often the most valuable cover you hope never to use.

Contents (optional). For furnished lets — your furniture and appliances, not the tenant's belongings.

Loss of rent (optional). Pays out if the property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event (say a fire) and you lose rental income.

Accidental & malicious damage (optional). Cover for damage caused by tenants, beyond fair wear and tear.

Rent guarantee / legal expenses (optional). Helps if a tenant stops paying, covering lost rent and the legal cost of regaining possession.

🔔 How ProPixa helps

ProPixa keeps your policy details and renewal date on file with the rest of your property paperwork, so cover never quietly lapses and you can find the policy in seconds if you ever need to claim. When you're comparing landlord cover, ProPixa also surfaces a recommended option right where you manage the property.

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What affects the price

Premiums vary with the property's value and location, the type of let (a family let, an HMO and a student let are priced differently), whether it's furnished, the tenant type, and how much optional cover you add. Because the range is wide, it's worth comparing rather than auto-renewing — and telling insurers the truth about how the property is let, since a mismatch can void a claim.

Common mistakes to avoid

Relying on home insurance for a rental — it won't pay out.
Not telling the insurer the property is let, or how (e.g. to students, or as an HMO).
Underinsuring the rebuild cost — insure the cost to rebuild, not the market value.
Letting cover lapse between tenancies or forgetting the renewal date.

Frequently asked questions

Who insures a leasehold flat — me or the freeholder?

Often the freeholder arranges buildings insurance for the whole block (recovered via the service charge), while you insure your own contents and take landlord liability. Check your lease so you're not paying twice or leaving a gap.

Do tenants need their own insurance?

Your policy doesn't cover your tenant's belongings. It's worth encouraging tenants to take their own contents insurance — it protects them and reduces disputes.

Does landlord insurance cover the boiler breaking down?

Not usually — that's a maintenance issue, not an insured peril. Some landlords add separate boiler/emergency cover for that.

Is an HMO more expensive to insure?

Generally yes — more occupants and shared facilities mean more risk, so make sure the insurer knows it's an HMO and cover it correctly.

Keep every policy and renewal in one place

ProPixa files your insurance alongside your certificates and warns you before renewals are due. Free for your first two months, no card needed.

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