What Home Insurance Do I Need When Renting?

Renting gives you the flexibility of a home without the long-term commitment of a mortgage. But while you may not own the property, it is still important to think about how to protect yourself and your belongings. That is where home insurance for renters comes in.

Understanding what cover you do and do not need can be confusing. This guide answers the most common questions about home insurance when renting in the UK.

Do renters need buildings insurance?

No - buildings insurance is your landlord’s responsibility. It covers the structure of the property, including the walls, roof, floors, kitchen and bathroom fittings.

If there is a fire, flood or damage to the property, your landlord’s insurance should cover the cost of repairs. However, this does not extend to your personal possessions inside the property. That is where your own cover becomes important.

What is contents insurance and why is it important for renters?

Contents insurance is the main type of policy tenants should consider. It covers everything you own inside the property, from clothes and furniture to electronics, jewellery and bicycles.

If your belongings are stolen, destroyed in a fire or damaged by flooding, contents insurance will help you replace them. Some policies also cover items you take outside the home, such as laptops or phones.

Think of it this way: if you tipped your rented property upside down, everything that falls out is your responsibility to protect.

What is tenants’ liability insurance?

Some landlords or letting agents may require tenants’ liability insurance. This policy covers accidental damage you cause to the landlord’s fixtures, fittings or furniture.

For example, spilling wine on a landlord’s sofa or breaking a window in a furnished property. Having this cover can help protect your deposit if accidents happen. Always check your tenancy agreement to see if it is required.

What optional extras can renters add to their insurance?

Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to add extras to your contents insurance, such as:

• Accidental damage cover – protection if you damage your own belongings, such as cracking a TV screen.

• Personal possessions cover – insurance for items you regularly take outside the home.

• Student contents cover – tailored policies for students in halls or shared housing.
  
  

Should renters consider life or income protection insurance?

While not technically “home insurance,” many renters think about wider protection. If you are paying rent and bills each month, income protection could provide support if illness or injury stops you working.

Life insurance is usually less of a priority for renters unless you have dependants who rely on your income.

If you are unsure, our quick guide to insurance and protection explains how these policies fit into a wider financial plan.

Key takeaways

• You do not need buildings insurance when renting - it is your landlord’s responsibility.

• Contents insurance protects your belongings and is highly recommended.

• Some landlords may require tenants’ liability insurance.

• Optional extras like accidental damage cover can be added to your policy.

• Wider protection like income cover may also be worth considering.
  
  

FAQs

Do I need home insurance if I am renting?
 You do not need buildings insurance, but contents insurance is highly recommended to protect your belongings.

Does my landlord’s insurance cover my possessions?
 No. Your landlord’s buildings insurance only covers the structure of the property, not your personal items.

Is tenants’ liability insurance compulsory?
 Not always. Some landlords request it, but it depends on your tenancy agreement.

How much contents insurance do I need?
 Add up the value of everything you own inside your home. Many people underestimate this, so take time to calculate it properly.

Can students get contents insurance?
 Yes. Student-specific contents policies are available and can cover belongings in shared houses or halls of residence.