Landlord Building Insurance
Landlord Building Insurance Quotes
Cover for the structure of your rental property.
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What Is Landlord Building Insurance?
Landlord building insurance is a property insurance policy that covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the structure of a rental property if it is damaged by fire, flood, storm, subsidence, or other insured events.
Standard home insurance does not cover properties let to tenants, so landlords need a specialist policy. Landlord building insurance protects the structure itself, including walls, the roof, floors, permanent fixtures, and fitted kitchens and bathrooms.
There is no legal requirement for landlords to hold building insurance, but most buy-to-let mortgage lenders make it a condition of the loan. Without cover, a single fire or flood could leave you facing a six-figure rebuild bill.
How To Compare Landlord Building Insurance Quotes
You can compare landlord building insurance quotes in a few minutes by entering your property details, choosing your cover level, and reviewing prices from multiple insurers side by side.
Gather your property details
You will need the property address, type (house, flat, HMO), construction details (standard brick or non-standard), number of bedrooms, and whether the property is currently tenanted or empty.
Get your rebuild cost
Your sum insured should reflect the cost of rebuilding the property from scratch, not the market value. The RICS publishes a rebuilding cost guide that can help you set the right figure.
Compare quotes
Review excess amounts, cover limits, and any exclusions. Every insurer on our panel is authorised and regulated by the FCA, so all quotes meet the same consumer protection standards.
Buy your policy
Choose the policy that fits your property and budget. Cover can start immediately, and your documents arrive by email.
What Does Landlord Building Insurance Cover?
Landlord building insurance covers the physical structure of your rental property and its permanent fixtures against damage from fire, flood, storm, subsidence, theft, vandalism, and other insured events.
Structure and permanent fixtures
Walls, the roof, floors, ceilings, staircases, and foundations are all covered. This extends to permanent fixtures like fitted kitchens, bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, and fixed heating systems.
Fire and explosion
Covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the property after a fire or explosion. This is the single largest risk for landlords and the most common reason for a major claim.
Storm, flood, and water damage
Damage caused by storms, flooding, burst pipes, and escape of water is covered. Burst pipes in unoccupied winter rentals are a frequent claim.
Subsidence, heave, and landslip
Covers structural damage caused by ground movement beneath the property. Subsidence claims can run into tens of thousands of pounds, making this one of the most valuable elements of a buildings policy.
Theft and vandalism
Damage to the building caused during a break-in or act of vandalism is covered. This includes broken doors, smashed windows, and forced locks.
Impact damage
Covers damage from falling trees, telegraph poles, lampposts, or vehicles hitting the property. These events are rare but expensive to repair.
Property owners' liability
Most policies include property owners' liability cover, which protects you if a tenant, visitor, or member of the public is injured at the property and holds you responsible. Cover is typically set at £2 million or £5 million.
What Is Not Covered By Landlord Building Insurance?
Standard landlord building insurance excludes general wear and tear, damage caused by poor maintenance, tenant belongings, and properties left unoccupied for extended periods.
General wear and tear
Ageing plumbing, deteriorating paintwork, and worn-out fixtures are maintenance issues, not insured events. Insurers expect landlords to keep the property in good repair.
Damage from lack of maintenance
If a roof leaks because tiles were not replaced, or damp spreads because guttering was blocked, the insurer can refuse the claim. Regular maintenance is a policy condition.
Tenant belongings
Your buildings policy covers the structure, not anything owned by the tenant. Tenants need their own contents or renters insurance to protect their personal possessions.
Unoccupied properties
Most policies exclude or limit cover on properties left empty for more than 30 to 60 consecutive days. If a property is between tenancies, tell your insurer to avoid a claim being refused.
Deliberate or criminal damage by the landlord
Damage caused intentionally by the policyholder is never covered. Fraudulent claims are a criminal offence.
Pre-existing damage
Any structural problems that existed before the policy started are excluded. Insurers may request a survey or inspection before covering older properties.
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Compare landlord building insurance quotes from UK insurers in minutes.
What Types Of Property Does Landlord Building Insurance Cover?
Landlord building insurance is available for most residential rental properties in the UK, including houses, flats, HMOs, and converted properties.
Houses
Detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses are all eligible. Standard brick-and-tile construction is the easiest to insure, while non-standard builds (timber frame, thatched roof, flat roof over 25%) may need specialist cover.
Flats and maisonettes
Individual flats can be insured under a landlord buildings policy. If you own the freehold of an entire block, a block of flats policy may be more appropriate.
HMOs and multi-occupancy properties
Houses in multiple occupation need HMO insurance, which is a form of landlord building insurance tailored to properties with three or more unrelated tenants. HMO licensing requirements add compliance obligations that affect your policy.
Buy-to-let properties
Properties purchased specifically to rent out are covered under standard landlord building insurance. Your mortgage lender will usually require a policy as a condition of the loan.
Non-standard construction
Properties built with non-standard materials or methods, such as timber frame, steel frame, concrete panel, or thatched roofs, can be insured but may attract higher premiums or specialist terms.
How Much Does Landlord Building Insurance Cost?
The average cost of landlord building insurance in the UK is around £170–£300 per year for a standard property, but prices vary depending on the rebuild value, location, property type, and claims history. See our guide on how much landlord insurance costs for a full breakdown.
| Property Type | Typical Annual Premium (Buildings Only) |
| Single flat | £150–£220 |
| Terraced house | £180–£300 |
| Semi-detached house | £200–£350 |
| Detached house | £230–£400 |
| HMO (3–5 tenants) | £350–£600 |
| Small block of flats | £400–£800+ |
What affects the price?
Your premium depends on the rebuild cost, the property's age and construction type, its location, the number of tenants, your claims history, and the level of cover you choose. Properties in flood-risk areas or with non-standard construction typically cost more to insure.
Rebuild cost vs market value
Your sum insured should be the rebuild cost, not the market value, because the rebuild cost excludes the land value and is usually lower than the sale price.
The ABI recommends reviewing your rebuild estimate every few years to keep pace with rising construction costs.
What Add-Ons Are Available For Landlord Building Insurance?
Most insurers offer optional extras that extend your landlord buildings cover beyond the standard policy, including rent guarantee, contents cover, accidental damage, and legal expenses.
Rent guarantee insurance
Covers lost rental income if your tenant stops paying rent. Rent guarantee insurance typically pays out for up to 12 months while you pursue eviction or find a new tenant.
Landlord contents insurance
Covers furniture, appliances, and other items you provide for your tenants. Standard buildings insurance only covers the structure, so contents cover is a separate add-on.
Loss of rent cover
Compensates you for lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event like a fire or flood. Payouts continue until the property is repaired or for a set period, usually 12 to 24 months.
Accidental damage cover
Covers damage that tenants cause accidentally, such as putting a foot through a ceiling, cracking a basin, or breaking a window. Without this add-on, only damage from listed insured events is covered.
Legal expenses cover
Pays legal costs for disputes with tenants, including eviction proceedings, deposit disputes, and rent arrears recovery. Cover is usually capped at £50,000 to £100,000 per claim.
Home emergency cover
Provides 24/7 emergency callout for burst pipes, boiler breakdowns, electrical failures, and other urgent problems. This is useful if you do not live near the rental property.
How To Save Money On Landlord Building Insurance
The most effective ways to reduce your premium are getting an accurate rebuild cost, comparing quotes from multiple insurers, improving property security, and maintaining a clean claims history.
Get an accurate rebuild cost
Over-insuring inflates your premium unnecessarily, while under-insuring could mean your claim payout is reduced proportionally. Use the RICS rebuild cost calculator or your mortgage valuation to set the right figure.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Premiums for the same property can vary by £100 or more between providers. Comparing side by side is the fastest way to find a better deal without reducing your cover.
Improve property security
Fitting British Standard locks, a burglar alarm, and smoke detectors can lower your premium. Some insurers also offer discounts for CCTV or monitored alarm systems.
Increase your voluntary excess
Raising the amount you agree to pay towards a claim lowers your annual premium. Set the excess at a level you could comfortably afford.
Maintain the property
Regular maintenance reduces the risk of claims from burst pipes, roof leaks, and damp. The GOV.UK landlord guide sets out your legal repair obligations, and meeting them strengthens your position with insurers.
Insure multiple properties together
If you own more than one rental property, a portfolio or landlord insurance policy covering all your properties under one plan can be cheaper than insuring each one separately.
Only add extras you need
Rent guarantee, contents, and legal expenses cover are valuable but not always necessary. Review each add-on against your actual risk before including it.
Compare Landlord Building Insurance
Compare landlord building insurance quotes from UK insurers in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Landlord building insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the structure of a rental property if it is damaged by fire, flood, storm, subsidence, or other insured events. It protects the walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures.
No, there is no law requiring landlords to hold building insurance. However, most buy-to-let mortgage lenders require it as a condition of the loan, and operating without cover exposes you to serious financial risk.
No, standard home insurance policies exclude properties let to tenants. You need a specialist landlord building insurance policy designed for rental use.
Landlord building insurance covers the structure of the property only. Landlord insurance is a broader term that can include buildings, contents, liability, rent guarantee, and legal expenses in a combined policy.
Your cover should match the rebuild cost of the property, not the market value, because the rebuild cost excludes the land. Use the RICS rebuild cost guide or your mortgage valuation to get an accurate figure.
Damage caused by tenants is not covered as standard. You would need accidental damage cover as an add-on, and even then, deliberate or malicious damage by tenants is usually excluded.
Most policies exclude or limit cover on properties left empty for more than 30 to 60 consecutive days. If the property is between tenancies, contact your insurer to discuss your options.
Yes, most policies cover subsidence, heave, and landslip as standard. Excess amounts for subsidence claims are typically higher than for other claim types, often £1,000 or more.
Yes. Many insurers offer portfolio or multi-property policies that cover all your rental properties under a single plan, often at a lower combined premium.
Not as standard. Loss of rent cover is an optional add-on that compensates you for lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the damage occurs and provide photos, a description of what happened, and any quotes for repair work. For theft or vandalism, you will also need a police crime reference number.
