Landlord insurance splits into buildings cover for the structure and contents cover for items you provide. Most landlords need both, but the contents part covers your fixtures and furnishings, not the tenant’s belongings.
Landlord buildings insurance
This covers the structure against fire, flood, storm and similar events, plus the cost of rebuilding. The sum insured should reflect full rebuild cost. Mortgage lenders normally require it. Our guide to reading your policy shows where the sum insured sits.
Landlord contents insurance
This covers items you supply: carpets, white goods, curtains and furniture in a furnished let. It does not cover the tenant’s own possessions, which are their responsibility. A tenant’s failure to look after the property is a separate risk, addressed by liability cover.
What to add
Most landlord policies also offer rent guarantee, liability, and emergency cover. Our guides to rent guarantee and landlord liability explain those. Check that accidental and malicious damage by tenants is included if you want it.