What Does Landlord Contents Insurance Cover?

If you’re a landlord, there are many legal obligations and administration formalities to adhere to. One misstep could cause you to be out of pocket or to run into a frustrating legal argument with a tenant. In this guide, we’re listing what’s typically covered in landlord contents insurance, so you don’t have to second guess or worry about running into issues further down the line.

What’s covered by landlord contents insurance?

As a landlord, you may wonder why you’d need contents insurance, especially if you let the property unfurnished. If there are no loose items in the property you let out, then you won’t need contents insurance. However, if you rent a furnished flat or home to tenants then it’s certainly worth getting contents insurance to cover the value of replacing these items, including all furnishings, decorative items, appliances and electrical equipment. After all, the cost of a flat-screen TV, washing machine, sofas, wardrobes and beds can really add up.

The main issue is if damage is caused by external factors, such as a storm, flooding, burglary or fire. If tenants are not at fault for the damage, then you will have no pool of money to turn to other than your own back pocket. However, with insurance, you would be able to make a claim for contents that are damaged, destroyed or stolen.

While deposits will give you some protection if any tenants or visitors accidentally damage any of the furnishings, getting ‘accidental damage’ insurance means you’re covered beyond the often minimal deposit amount.

You won’t need to cover the cost of your tenants’ belongings – it is their responsibility to acquire appropriate contents insurance for their items.

It’s also important to bear in mind that contents insurance is exclusively for items rather than fixtures and structural elements, such as walls and doors. This means, if you want to protect the building itself you will need to shop around for building insurance alongside contents insurance.

General wear and tear will not be covered.

Speak to Agentis today

Here at Agentis, we are expert insurance brokers who can help you find the right landlord contents insurance for you. We’ll make sure you’re covered and not left out of pocket should an incident occur that damages the contents of your buy-to-let properties. Speak to us today to book your free initial consultation. We’ll offer advice that’s easy to understand and help give you peace of mind with an insurance policy that covers exactly what you need it to, and nothing you don’t. Speak to us today to organise your free initial consultation.