Frequently asked questions
We know that life as a landlord can often be complex, so we try our best to make all our communications as straightforward as possible. But if you’re still not sure, or have a question, take a look below for the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch.
- Can I cancel my policy?
Yes, if you decide the policy isn’t right for you, you have a 14 day cooling off period from the date you receive your policy documents or the start date of your policy, whichever is later.
Find out more about how to cancel your policy here.
Please be aware that if you’ve made a valid claim on your policy and want to cancel it before the renewal date, you’ll be liable to pay for the remaining premiums.
- Can I get multi-property Landlord Insurance?
Yes, we offer Landlord Portfolio Insurance, which is ideal if you own two or more properties, as this multi-property Landlord insurance can help you manage everything under one policy.
- Can I use regular Home Contents Insurance as a landlord?It’s important to know that regular home contents insurance can be unsuitable for rental properties. This is because of the additional risks associated with letting a residential property - for example, the danger that tenants will cause malicious damage to your contents or your additional liability as a landlord. So, when you’re searching for appropriate cover, make sure you consider a policy that’s specifically created for landlords. We detail the differences between landlords and home contents insurance.
- Do I have to pay an excess if I make a claim on my Home Emergency cover?
No - you will not be charged an excess if you make a claim on your Landlord Emergency Assistance Insurance policy. Cover is up to to £500 per claim and up to £1500 maximum for the year/policy term.
- Do I need Landlord Buildings Insurance if I live in the property?
A Landlord Insurance policy won't be suitable if you live in the property permanently as a homeowner. If you live in the property alongside a tenant or lodger, please call us to discuss what policy options are right for you.
Find out more about the differences between landlord and home insurance, or take a look at our tips for landlords.
- Do I need Landlord Buildings Insurance if my property is unoccupied?
Once you have a policy with us, the buildings and contents will still be covered if your property is left unoccupied for up to a maximum of 90 days. This offers you peace of mind in knowing that your policy will not automatically become invalid in between lettings. Cover for malicious acts, theft, escape of water or oil, and accidental damage are excluded after the property has been left unoccupied for more than 90 consecutive days.
If you are thinking of getting a quote but your property is unoccupied, if your main intention is to let it out to a tenant, we may be able to offer a policy in these circumstances.
For a comprehensive list of what exactly is included in your cover and what’s excluded, you should refer to your policy wording and insurance schedule.
- Do I need Landlord Contents Insurance?
If you rent out a furnished or part-furnished property, you may want to consider landlord contents insurance to protect you from the unexpected. From fires, floods and theft to accidental or malicious damage, a variety of problems could arise that leave you significantly out of pocket.
Having a suitable insurance policy in place means the cost of any repairs or replacements may be covered after an insured event.
- Do I need Rent Guarantee Insurance?
Rent Guarantee Insurance is not a legal requirement, but it can help to reduce the financial risks associated with being a landlord.
There are several ongoing costs to consider when letting a property. The HomeLet Market Survey found that over 50% of landlords rely upon rental income to cover their mortgage payments.
You may also be liable for additional costs that you cover with the monthly rent too. Expenses may include, safety tests, alarms, income tax, letting agent management fees, marketing your property and utilities bills.
Rent Guarantee Insurance can help to give you peace of mind that these costs, or a portion of them, will continue to be covered if you have let your property to a tenant and things go wrong.
If they are unable to pay their rent, refuse to leave after being served an eviction notice, or withhold rent due to a dispute, you can submit a claim for the lost rental payments to help ensure that you have the funds that you need to hand. For full terms and conditions, please read the Policy Wording to make sure this product is suitable.
If you would like more information or have any questions, our dedicated team of experts is here to assist you every step of the way. Simply complete your details here and a member of our team will be in touch.
- Do I need separate Rent Guarantee Insurance and Landlord Insurance?
Legally, you are not required to take out a rent protection insurance policy if you’re letting a property.
If you do have an existing landlord insurance policy, it may include rent guarantee cover as standard or as an add-on, so be sure to check your specific policy documentation to make sure.
Here at HomeLet, we can provide both under one policy so even if you are already covered, still contact us, as we may be able to beat your current price.
- Do my tenants need references to be covered by Rent Protection Insurance?
HomeLet’s policies require you to have satisfactory references for all tenants to identify any risks of non-payment for you to be covered by our insurance. Please call us to discuss what is required to meet the requirements of a satisfactory reference.
- How do I get Landlord Insurance?
There are two main ways to get insured. First, you can buy online on your smartphone, laptop or computer and arrange your cover quickly and easily.
Alternatively, you can give us a call on 0800 035 8258, and one of our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions that you might have about our cover. They can also help you to arrange your insurance over the phone.
We’re open from 8:30am-18:30 Monday to Friday and 9:30-13:00pm Saturday. Whatever you need, we’re happy to help.
- How do I get Landlord Portfolio Insurance?
If you own between two and fifty properties which are privately rented, you could benefit from having one insurance policy which covers them all.
To get a quote and discuss your options, give our friendly team a call on 0800 035 8258.
Our team are on hand to help from 08:30 - 18:30 Monday to Friday and 09:30 - 13:00 on Saturdays.
- How do I get Rent Guarantee Insurance?
Whether you’re planning your insurance for your first buy-to-let investment or you’re an established landlord who is thinking of getting some additional cover after dealing with tenants who have missed payments, HomeLet's Rent Guarantee is suitable for all landlords. Please note that this policy cannot cover events that have already happened.
You can give us a call, and one of our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions that you might have about our cover. They can also help you to arrange your insurance over the phone.
Alternatively, if you have a contact preference or you’re not quite ready yet, you can request a scheduled call back.
- How do I make a claim on my Landlord Emergency Assistance cover?
To make a claim, you can call our helpline on 0330 333 7231. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and our experts are on hand to help guide you through the claims process from start to finish.
- What do I need to get a Landlord Insurance quote?
It helps to have some basic information ready. To give you an accurate Landlord Insurance quote, we’ll ask for things like:
- Key details about your property, like when it was built, the location, and what the building construction is
- Basic information about your tenants
- The level of cover you need, including any additional cover such as Accidental Damage
- What does "buildings sum insured" mean?
"Buildings sum insured" is the cost of rebuilding your property (this is different to the market value), and is usually found on your valuation report or mortgage survey. Our Landlord Buildings Insurance automatically covers you for up to £500,000 – but you can specify a rebuild value if you need to be covered for more.
It’s important to insure your property for the correct amount – the Association of British Insurers calculator can help you understand the rebuild value of your property.
- What does HomeLet's Portfolio Insurance include?
Our Landlord Portfolio insurance allows you to insure multiple rented properties under a single policy with one renewal date.
Our policy includes:- The ability to add, remove or update cover for properties as you develop your portfolio
- Loss of rent or alternative accommodation for up to 2 years following insured loss or damage, up to 30% of the sum insured
- Full cover for up to 90 days between tenancies
- Up to £5m property owner's liability and up to £10m employer's liability
- Cover for up to the rebuild value of your property, following loss or damage caused by:
- Fire, smoke, explosion, lightning or earthquake
- Storm or flood
- Subsidence, landslip or heave
- Theft or attempted by violent and forcible means
- Escape of water or oil from any fixed water or heating appliance
- Malicious Acts
- Accidental damage
- Riot, political disturbance or strikes
- What does Landlord Contents Insurance not cover?
Although our Landlord Contents Insurance policies are designed to provide an impressive level of cover, there are things that they do not protect you against - and it’s important to be aware of these.
For instance, our policies don’t cover loss, destruction or damage caused by wear and tear or that results from household removal. In addition, cover for theft, malicious acts, escape of water or oil and accidental damage are excluded if your rental property is left unoccupied for more than 90 days consecutively. Our policies also don’t cover the tenants personal possessions.
For further details on exclusions, please read our policy documents carefully. If you require any more information, our friendly and helpful team are here to help answer any queries you may have.
- What is considered an emergency?
At HomeLet, we consider an emergency to be a situation that, if not dealt with quickly, would render the property unsafe or unsecured, cause damage to the residence or cause unreasonable discomfort, risk or difficulties for or to the occupant.
- What is IPT?IPT stands for Insurance Premium Tax, which is a variable rate of tax set by HMRC.
- What is Landlord Contents Insurance?
Landlord Contents Insurance protects the items that you leave in your rental property, for use by your tenants. These possessions can include everything from furniture, appliances, freestanding white goods and furnishings.
This cover doesn't include any of the tenants own personal possessions, or your own personal possessions that aren't for use of the tenant. - What is Rent Guarantee Insurance?
Rent Guarantee Insurance, often referred to as rent protection insurance, is a form of insurance cover designed to help with rent arrears and resolve tenancy disputes requiring possession.
It acts as a safeguard, should your tenants become unable to pay their rent. If they cannot pay, Landlord Rent Guarantee Insurance kicks in, mitigating arrears, and providing professional services to help provide a solution.
Even the best tenants can fall on challenging times. Our recent Market Survey found that difficulties in paying rent due to the cost of living was a renter’s number one concern.
While it’s natural to be sympathetic, your rental income still must be paid. And if tenants can’t pay, that’s where Landlords Rent Guarantee Insurance comes in.
- What isn't covered by Rent Guarantee Insurance?
While we aim to cover as many events as possible, there are restrictions to HomeLet’s Landlords Rent Guarantee Insurance policies:
- We only cover homes located in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- If the tenant is already living in the property when you purchase cover, and then fails to pay within the first 60 days of the policy term, you cannot make a claim
- You cannot claim for periods during which the property is unavailable to be re-let once the property has been made vacant
- Amounts exceeding the sum equivalent of 12 times the monthly rent for rent guarantee and vacant possession payments combined
- When can my cover start?
As soon as you like, as long as you meet our terms and conditions, you can also arrange cover up to 45 days ahead of the policy start date. Please note, that you cannot backdate cover.
- When does my Landlord Emergency Assistance Insurance policy start and end?
Your Landlord Emergency Assistance Insurance is a 12 month policy, starting from the date you choose (remember you can't choose a date that has already passed). Your policy start and end date will be specified in your insurance documents.