Home / Glossary / Landlord insurance
What is Landlord insurance?
Last verified 23 October 2026
Landlord insurance is a set of insurance policies designed for let property. It usually includes buildings cover, contents cover for items the landlord supplies, and public liability cover, and can be extended with options such as rent guarantee or legal expenses cover.
Why it matters to landlords
A standard home insurance policy may not cover a property once it is let, so check the policy terms before the first tenant moves in. Check your mortgage offer and, for a flat, your lease, which may say who must insure the building. HMRC lists landlords' policies for buildings, contents and public liability as allowable expenses when you pay for them yourself, so the premiums reduce your taxable rental profit.
Insurance also links to the new pet rules in England. When a tenant keeps a pet, government guidance says a landlord may be able to claim for pet damage through insurance if the landlord or the tenant has a relevant policy, as well as using the deposit. Keep policy documents and renewal dates with your other property records.
Example
A landlord pays £420 a year for a landlord policy covering buildings, contents and public liability on a let house. With rent of £12,000 and £3,000 of other allowable costs, recording the premium as an expense brings the taxable profit down to £8,580.
Allowable expenses for landlords →