Making a Landlord Insurance Claim: What You Need to Know

When something goes wrong at your rental property — fire, flood, tenant damage, or liability claim — your landlord insurance is there to cover the cost. But the claims process has specific requirements, and getting them wrong can mean a reduced payout or outright rejection.

What standard landlord insurance covers

• Buildings insurance: Structural damage from fire, flood, storm, subsidence, or impact
• Contents insurance: Damage to your furnishings and appliances (furnished lets)
• Public liability: Claims if someone is injured at the property
• Rental income protection: Lost rent if the property becomes uninhabitable
• Legal expenses: Costs of eviction proceedings or dispute resolution

Common add-ons worth considering

• Malicious damage by tenants: Not always included in standard policies
• Accidental damage: Covers damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Rent guarantee insurance: Covers unpaid rent (typically for up to 12 months)
• Emergency cover: 24/7 call-out for boiler failure, burst pipes, locksmith

How to make a claim

1. Document everything immediately: Take photos and video of the damage before any cleanup or repairs. Include timestamps
2. Notify your insurer promptly: Most policies require notification within 30 days. For theft or vandalism, report to police first and get a crime reference number
3. Get repair quotes: Your insurer may require 2-3 quotes. Don't start repairs without insurer approval unless it's an emergency repair to prevent further damage
4. Keep receipts: For any emergency repairs, temporary accommodation costs, or other expenses related to the claim
5. Cooperate with the loss adjuster: For larger claims, the insurer may send an assessor. Give them full access and provide all requested documentation

Common reasons claims are rejected

• Non-disclosure: You didn't tell the insurer the property was an HMO, had subsidence history, or was unoccupied for 30+ days
• Lack of maintenance: Damage caused by gradual deterioration (e.g. a slow roof leak you didn't fix) is rarely covered
• Unoccupied property: Most policies limit cover after 30-60 days unoccupied. Extended void periods need to be declared
• Inadequate security: If a break-in occurred because you didn't have adequate locks, the claim may be reduced or rejected

Keep your evidence in Tendmere

Store your insurance policy, property photos (taken during inspections), maintenance records, and contractor invoices in Tendmere's document vault. If you ever need to make a claim, you'll have timestamped evidence of property condition, maintenance history, and financial records — all in one place.