Unoccupied landlord insurance

Even when a property is visited every seven days, a small leaking pipe can cause a significant amount of damage after six days.  

Unoccupied properties may also be likely to be vandalised with bricks through windows or burning rags pushed into a letterbox.   Squatters could also move in.

Insurers expect a property to be inhabited so incidents are spotted immediately, such as a burst pipe, or slates damaged because of storms.

When there is nobody there to see a new incident, then the overall damage will be more severe, which means possible higher claim amounts, and so a different style of premium calculation will ba applied, and you will be required to apply risk management as necessary.

A relatively minor repair, for example, may develop into a major incident if there is no one there to report the matter and take the appropriate action.

This depends on the vacancy period defined by the insurers – you need to check policy wordings as these do differ between providers.

If the property is to be unoccupied for as little as seven days, some providers will insist on preventative measures:

• A visit to the premises with recorded internal and external inspection of the property at least every seven days

• All waste removed both internally and externally

• Letter boxes sealed up, and a post redirection for long periods

• Services turned off and drained

• Windows and doors are boarded up

You should let the insurance provider know as soon as possible after you are made aware, but always before the property is vacated so that you can prepare for the requirements of the insurance policy.

Always make sure that you understand all of the requirements of the policy whilst the property is unoccupied. Ensure that all of your risk management duties are performed and adequately recorded. Failure to comply with the insurers terms and conditions could mean that the insurer may not validate and pay your claim.

Contract works on the rental premises would normally be covered by the policy up to specified limits, but we will help you check each policy wording. However, it is very important to be fully aware of the limits as larger contract works will need to specifically insured.

Unoccupied and vacant properties are a higher risk to the insurance company. While some insurers may offer temporary unoccupied cover for a short amount of time, they may want:

• An increased excess

• An increased premium

• A reduction in cover to fixtures/fittings and landlords contents cover

• Risk management if the property is to be unoccupied for as little as seven days, such as:

  • A visit to the premises with recorded internal and external inspection of the property at least every seven days

  • All waste removed both internally and externally

  • Letter boxes sealed up, and a post redirection for long periods

  • Services turned off and drained

  • Windows and doors boarded up

The full list of landlord unoccupied insurance exclusions will be laid out in your policy documents. 

To help you spread the cost of your premiums, we offer a quick and easy direct debit scheme for spreading payment over ten months. Please visit our dedicated Direct Debit page to find out more.

If you would like to know more about our monthly payment option, please visit our dedicated Direct Debit page.