Protect Your Property Portfolio

Property ownership in the UK carries significant financial exposure — from structural damage and liability claims to loss of rental income and legal disputes with tenants. Standard home insurance does not cover let properties. Landlords and property investors require specialist cover arranged through a broker with access to the commercial property insurance market.

Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance is the foundation policy for residential buy-to-let property owners. It covers the building against fire, flood, storm, and other insured perils, and typically includes property owners' liability (covering claims from tenants or visitors injured at the property) and loss of rent following an insured event. Landlords with mortgaged properties should confirm their lender's minimum insurance requirements before arranging cover.

HMO Insurance

Houses in Multiple Occupation present a higher risk profile than standard buy-to-let properties due to shared facilities, higher occupancy density, and mandatory licensing requirements. HMO insurance is specifically underwritten for this risk category and typically includes enhanced liability limits, malicious damage by tenants, and cover for the additional fire safety measures required under HMO licensing.

Block of Flats Insurance

Freeholders and resident management companies responsible for blocks of flats require buildings insurance that covers the entire structure including communal areas, lifts, and shared services. Block of flats insurance should include directors' and officers' liability for resident management company directors, and engineering inspection cover for lifts and communal boilers where applicable.

Property Portfolio Insurance

Landlords with multiple properties benefit from arranging cover under a single property portfolio insurance policy. This simplifies administration, typically reduces overall premium through volume, and provides a single renewal date. Portfolios can include a mix of residential, HMO, and commercial properties on the same policy.

Commercial Property Insurance

Investors and owner-occupiers of commercial premises — including offices, retail units, warehouses, and industrial properties — require commercial property insurance that reflects the specific use, construction, and tenancy of the building. Commercial landlord insurance covers properties let to business tenants and typically includes loss of rent, property owners' liability, and legal expenses cover.

Holiday Let Insurance

Properties let on short-term or holiday rental platforms such as Airbnb require specialist cover that standard landlord policies do not provide. Holiday let insurance addresses the higher frequency of guest changeovers, accidental damage risk, and the liability exposure associated with members of the public staying at the property. Cover should include public liability of at least £2 million.

Property Owners' Liability

All property owners — whether residential or commercial — face liability exposure if a tenant, visitor, or member of the public is injured at their property. Public liability insurance is included within most property owners policies, but limits and conditions vary. Landlords who employ managing agents, maintenance contractors, or cleaning staff should also consider whether employers' liability insurance is required.

Focus Insurance Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 717691). All cover is subject to underwriting acceptance and policy terms and conditions. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice.