UK landlord insurance guide: essential cover types every landlord needs

Being a landlord in 2025 comes with more risks—and more regulation—than ever before. From Renters’ Reform legislation and rising maintenance costs to increasingly litigious tenants, it’s critical that landlords protect themselves with the right insurance cover.

But with so many policy types, jargon and optional add-ons, it’s easy to get confused—or overpay.

Here’s your clear, updated guide to landlord insurance in 2025: what it is, what’s essential, and what’s worth considering based on your setup.

What is landlord insurance?

Landlord insurance is a specialist policy designed to protect you from the specific risks that come with letting out a property—risks that standard home insurance does not cover.

Most buy-to-let mortgage lenders will require buildings insurance at a minimum. But in reality, landlords should also consider cover for:

• Loss of rent
• Property damage
• Liability claims
• Legal expenses
• Eviction support

Complete guide for first-time landlords

Core landlord insurance cover types

Buildings insurance

 (Essential)

Covers the structure of the building against fire, flood, storm damage, subsidence, vandalism or escape of water.

Required by mortgage lenders

Make sure your rebuild cost is up to date

Contents insurance

 (Optional but recommended)

If your property is let furnished, this covers white goods, furniture and fittings.

Does not cover tenant possessions

Even unfurnished lets benefit from limited cover for curtains, carpets and appliances

Landlord liability insurance

 (Strongly recommended)

Covers legal costs or compensation if a tenant, visitor or tradesperson is injured due to your negligence (e.g. a loose stair carpet).

Minimum cover of £1–2 million is standard

May be required by law in HMOs or multi-let buildings

Loss of rent insurance

 (Highly recommended)

Covers your income if your property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event (like a fire or flood).

Often bundled with buildings insurance

This is NOT the same as rent guarantee cover

Optional extras landlords should consider in 2025

Rent guarantee insurance (RGI)

Covers missed rent payments if a tenant falls into arrears. Often includes legal cover to evict them under Section 8.

Especially valuable post-Section 21

Look for policies that kick in after 1 month of arrears

Renters’ Reform Bill 2025: how will it change the UK rental market?

Legal expenses cover

Pays for solicitors, court fees and bailiff services if you need to pursue eviction, recover damages, or resolve disputes.

Typically £25–£50 per year as an add-on

Often bundled with RGI

Emergency assistance cover

Provides rapid access to plumbers, electricians or locksmiths for urgent repairs.

Particularly useful for self-managing landlords

Check excess and call-out limits

Questions to ask when comparing landlord policies

• Are tenant types (e.g. students, DSS, HMOs) covered?
• Does the policy exclude certain damage types (e.g. accidental vs. malicious)?
• What’s the excess on claims?
• Is there a cooling-off period or cancellation fee?
• Can I claim for loss of rent and property damage together?

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What happens if I don’t have landlord insurance?

• Your mortgage may be invalidated
• You could be personally liable for accidents or injuries
• You may lose rental income during repairs
• Legal action could cost you thousands

In short: it’s a false economy not to be covered.

What cover do you really need?

Every portfolio is different, but in 2025, risk management is no longer optional. A good landlord insurance policy is your first line of defence—and your peace of mind.