Getting the right insurance on your
property as a landlord is vital. There is so much responsibility that
comes with being a landlord that ensuring you have the right cover is
crucial to making sure that your rental venture is a success. So how
can you make sure that you get the right policy for you?
Shop around
So many different
companies offer landlords insurance but each policy will differ in
what it offers. As a starting point you need to be covered for all
the essentials and more. A good policy, like the one offered by
Homelet is one which is designed
to cover you against the risk elements of renting out your property.
From natural catastrophes like flooding and storm damage to fires and
vandalism, it’s essential to cover all bases.
What exactly do I need to be covered for?
The spectrum of what you need to be
covered for as a landlord is so broad. Firstly, it’s important to cover your home for everything from buildings to contents, legal
costs and rent guarantees. There are many things you can’t plan for
as a landlord, unfortunate events like storms and bad weather can be
really damaging to your property if you get a leak or even worse, are
struck by lightning. Buildings insurance is an essential part of your
landlords insurance to cover you for all eventualities.
Furnished or unfurnished, you still need insurance
If your property is furnished, contents
insurance is also important. Comprehensive cover for all furniture
inside the home and in the garden is important. You can choose a
policy which covers you from accidental damage by tenants such as a
broken lamp or chair and a separate policy which covers you from
malicious damage caused by tenants. Unfurnished contents insurance is
a wise move if your house is unfurnished as it covers you for all the
fixtures and fittings such as doors and bannisters.
Why is it important?
Protection for your rented property is
essential for a number of reasons. For cover from non-payment of rent
to loss of earnings and rehousing costs to liability for accidents,
there are so many things to take cover out for that it’s important
firstly to cover your back and secondly, some buy-to-let mortgage
lenders won’t give you a mortgage without it.
Renting a home can be very costly to a
landlord from the appliances to fixing fixtures and general
maintenance so taking the time to shop around for the right insurance
is vital.
Image: woodleywonderworks/Flickr; "What subprime crisis: Affordable houses are everywhere" CC BY 2.0
Image: woodleywonderworks/Flickr; "What subprime crisis: Affordable houses are everywhere" CC BY 2.0

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