A Guide to Tenant Contents Insurance 

Whether you’re renting a new property or have been a tenant for some time, tenant contents insurance is essential to reduce the financial burden on you in the sad event that your belongings are stolen or damaged. 

This guide will explain what tenant content insurance is, what is included, whether it is a legal requirement and how Landlord & Tenant Protection can help. 

What is tenant content insurance? 

Tenant content insurance, otherwise known as home contents insurance or renters’ insurance, provides protection for your personal belongings against loss, theft or damages. If you need to make a claim, your insurance provider will provide repairs, replacements or compensation, depending on the item affected and your policy details.  

Tenant insurance typically provides cover for items such as clothing, jewellery, gadgets, household appliances and furnishings. 

There has been a low uptake of tenants who have invested in tenant content insurance, with a lack of general awareness and the rising cost of living are key factors. In 2023, 51% of tenants in the UK private rental market have contents insurance – less than the number of tenants who pay for popular streaming services, such as Netflix. 

Landlords are responsible for buying buildings insurance – this covers the structural integrity of the building and issues with utilities such as burst water pipes, leaks, gas pipes and electrical faults. They are also responsible for getting insurance cover for any contents and furnishings that they have provided at your property, such as sofas, armchairs, curtains and beds.  

Your personal belongings and furniture will not be protected by your landlord’s buildings or contents insurance policy. If you don’t have your own tenants insurance, you will need to pay for repairs or replacements of your own pocket in the event of damage or theft.  

What does content insurance include?   

What is covered	What is excluded
Burglary: replacement of items due to burglary, with signs of forced entry	Rent arrears: your policy will not cover your monthly rental payments if you are unable to pay.     Our rent guarantee insurance protects landlords from loss of rent and can offer financial protection due to tenant defaults.
Fires: repair or replacement for items damaged by fire	Accidental damage: many accidental damages may not be covered unless you buy add-ons to your existing policy.
Burst water pipes or leaks at the property: repair or replacement for items damaged by flooding or leaks	Wear and tear: older items with signs of wear and tear may not be covered by your tenant insurance. Poorly repaired items will also not be covered.
Extreme weather: repair or replacement for items damaged by storms, lightning and earthquakes.	Carelessness: if doors and windows were unlocked or there is no sign of forced entry, your insurer may cover items stolen from your home.
Loss of food: replacement of spoiled food, usually in the event of a freezer fault.	If your home is unoccupied: if you do not reside at your rental property for more than 30 days and do not inform your insurer, then you may not be covered.
	High-value items: expensive items may need to be insured separately.
	If you run a business from home: you may need business contents insurance.

 

Some policies may also provide the following 

• Tenant Liability Cover: Some policies will include cover for accidental damages to the property, as well as legal cover if required if there are disputes with your landlord. 

• Alternative accommodation: if your rental property is unhabitable, your policy may cover the costs of temporary accommodation while your property is being repaired 

You may need to pay an excess (when you pay a fixed amount toward the cost of the repair or replacement) and there will be a limit on how much you can claim for particular items or types of item. It is therefore important to thoroughly check your policy details before buying cover. 

Are tenants legally required to have contents insurance? 

Tenants do not need to take out content insurance – it is a personal choice and not a legal requirement. Your landlord or letting agent may suggest you invest in a policy, though.  

Tenant insurance means your belongings are financially protected against loss, theft or damage. This is particularly important if you live in an area with high crime rates or extreme weather conditions, such as flooding.  

FAQs   

How do I work out how much contents insurance I need? 

The amount of tenant content insurance coverage you need will depend on the total value of your belongings. You need to add up the estimated value of your possessions then find a tenant contents insurance policy that covers up to the same amount.  

Can I purchase add-ons to my tenant contents insurance?  

If you feel your tenant contents insurance cover is not sufficient, or the policy limit is too limited, many providers offer optional extras, at a cost. These can include, accidental damage cover and legal cover, which can pay up to a certain limit for legal disputes. Investing in optional extras will cost more money so always consider these add-ons carefully against your needs and budget.

What is tenant’s liability insurance? 

Tenant liability insurance covers you in the event of damage or loss to items that the landlord has provided, such as sofas, armchairs and bedding, and will cover the costs of repairs or replacements. 

I’m in a house share. Can I get tenant contents insurance? 

If you are sharing a property with other tenants, consider looking for tenant contents insurance that will cover you on a room-only basis or find a shared contents insurance policy that covers the entire property. Multiple occupancy comes with greater risk, so your premium may be higher than for a single occupancy rental.

I’m a student. Should I buy tenant contents insurance? 

If you’re studying away from home and are living in student halls, your belongings may already be covered through your housing provider or your family home insurance policy. 

However, if you are renting a private property, you should invest in contents insurance. The property may be targeted by thieves who will be looking to access your electronics or gadgets, such as your student laptop, television or iPad. Investing in tenant contents insurance will provide an extra layer of financial in the event of loss, damage or theft. 

How can I reduce the cost of tenant insurance?  

To find the best tenant insurance, it is important for you to consider what you need your policy to cover, what items will need to be insured and their value. This will allow you to find a suitable provider who can offer the right amount of coverage, at the right price for you. 

Speak with your landlord if you are unhappy with the level of security at the property and ask for additional measures so that your valuables are secure.  

Transforming the rental experience for tenants 

At Landlord & Tenant Protection, our tenant liability insurance provides an extra layer of financial protection against accidental damages to your landlord’s property and includes a range of unique features. Our trusted insurance partners, Alan Boswell and Willis IRM will match you with the best provider to suit your needs. 

Learn more about our services for tenants.