Tenants in Your Home. Are You Protected?
You’ve found a tenant, handed over the keys, and the rent’s coming in. Job done, right? Maybe not.
What most homeowners do not realise is that once someone moves into your property, it is not just your home anymore. Legally, you have handed over control, and if you have not put the right protection in place, you could be left wide open. From unexpected repairs to legal disputes and unpaid rent, protection is not just a ‘nice to have’; it is the safety net that keeps you sane and financially secure.
Here is what you need to know. The expertise of our pride is here to guide you.
1. It’s Still Your Asset, But Not Your Space
As the owner, it is still your property. But in legal terms, once a tenant moves in, it becomes their home.
Respecting Rights: That means you cannot just pop round, access the property without notice, or make big decisions without going through the proper channels. Fail to respect that, and it could be classed as harassment, or even illegal eviction.
The Bottom Line: You must give proper, written notice (usually 24 or 48 hours) for entry, and even then, the tenant can refuse access unless it is a genuine emergency.
2. Your Insurance Might Not Cover You
Standard home insurance often becomes void the moment you let a property. If something goes wrong—a flood, a fire, or a claim from a tenant—you might not be covered.
Mandatory Protection: Landlord insurance is designed to protect you for the real risks involved, covering buildings, liability, and loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable.
The Risk: No specific landlord insurance equals full financial liability on you.
3. Verbal Agreements Aren’t Enough
It is surprising how many informal lets start with a handshake and a bit of trust. But without a robust written agreement and the right legal documents served at the start, you are on shaky ground. Trust is good. Paperwork is better.
Compliance: You must serve the correct documents (like the 'How to Rent' guide) and protect the deposit correctly within the 30 day legal deadline. Failure here can invalidate your right to evict later. This requires a forward thinking approach.
4. Rent Protection Isn’t Automatic
Even with a great tenant, life happens: redundancy, illness, or relationship breakdown. If rent stops coming in, do you have a plan?
Safety Net: Rent protection insurance can cover your income, legal fees, and help recover possession if needed. Without it, you are absorbing the loss, which can put serious financial pressure on your own commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do I need landlord insurance if I have a good tenant? Yes. Good tenants lower the risk, but they do not remove it. Standard policies will not protect you. Landlord insurance is designed for these exact scenarios.
❓ What happens if a tenant refuses access? If they say no, you cannot go in (unless it is a genuine emergency). You must give proper notice and respect their right to quiet enjoyment. Push it too far, and you could face legal action.
❓ How do I prove damage was caused by the tenant? With a proper inventory and regular inspections. Without clear, dated evidence (photos/video), deposit deductions become very hard to justify. Courts tend to side with tenants if it is your word against theirs.
❓ Can I get cover for lost rent or legal costs? Yes. Many landlord insurance policies include rent guarantee cover and legal protection. It is not always included by default, so make sure you check.
Final Thoughts
You would not hand your car over without insurance; do not do it with your home. Letting your property is a big deal. It is not just about income; it is about protecting the asset you have worked hard to build. We take pride in setting up robust protection from day one.
Need a second opinion on whether your rental setup is safe? We will walk you through it.