Can a Tenant Insure a Landlord’s Building in the UK?
The short answer is no—a tenant cannot insure a landlord’s building because they do not own the property. Building insurance is the landlord’s responsibility, while tenants are responsible for insuring their personal belongings with contents insurance.
Who Is Responsible for Building Insurance?
- Landlord: Must insure the building to cover damage caused by fire, floods, or structural issues.
- Tenant: Should get contents insurance to cover their personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing).
What If a Tenant Wants to Insure the Building?
- Tenants cannot take out building insurance because they do not have an insurable interest in the property.
- In some cases, tenants in long-term leaseholds (such as leasehold flats) may be responsible for contributing to building insurance costs through service charges.
What Insurance Should a Tenant Get?
- Contents Insurance – Covers theft, accidental damage, and loss of personal items.
- Tenants' Liability Insurance – Protects against accidental damage to the landlord’s property (e.g., spilling wine on the carpet).
How Fraser Bond Can Help
At Fraser Bond, we assist:
- Landlords in securing the right building insurance.
- Tenants in understanding their insurance needs.
- Both parties in managing rental agreements and responsibilities.
Conclusion
A tenant cannot insure a landlord’s building, but they should protect their belongings with contents insurance. Landlords remain responsible for the building’s structure and must have landlord insurance.
For expert advice on landlord and tenant insurance, contact Fraser Bond today!
