Contents insurance and renting

[Deleted User]

Hi all,
I've been looking at flats to rent in Glasgow recently and have found one I really like. However, the letting agents (Fineholm) insist that I pay contents insurance for the flat. It comes furnished but there's nothing too expensive: just things like the microwave, kettle, toaster etc. I'll be asking them to remove the TV because I won't be using it. The things I'll be taking into the flat myself aren't expensive (just clothes and books) and I'd rather not have to pay this contents insurance because the flat and associated costs are going to be expensive as it is. Isn't it up to the letting company to pay for their contents insurance? Do I HAVE to pay for this? I'm new to renting so would appreciate any help.
Thanks guys
Goldi x

ilovecheese

Hello

I am not sure about the legal side, and whether or not the agents can force you to have contents insurance, but it would be a good idea to get some with accidental cover just in case you damage or destroy the contents in the flat.

For instance, if you were carrying a tin of paint through the living room, tripped and spilt paint all over the sofa and carpet, you would need contents cover including accidental damage in order to claim back the costs of replacing/reparing the furniture. If you cause this kind of damage your LL would not pay to fix it you would need to pay! Although the flat is fully furnished if you damage it whilst you are there, you will need to cover any costs, the LL will have insurance, but he will not claim on it if you cause the damage.

Contents cover does not need to cost much, we rent and have a contents only policy for up to £40,000 including accidental damage for £49.00 for the whole year.

Good luck on your first rental!!

[Deleted User]

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me, I appreciate the help! I'd never heard of accidental damage before but you're right: it sounds like a good idea. As for your contents cover, that is very reasonably priced. Do you mind me asking who you're with? I'd only need contents cover for 6 months but can't seem to find any places that cover for less than a year. I did a quote via comparethemarket.com and the cheapest was £95 for a year!
Thanks again xx

adg1

I'm not a legal expert nor an insurance salesman, but I am pretty sure the LL has to insure his belongings inside the house and you insure yours.

Might be worth talking to someone like endsleigh insurance as they are cheap and cover a lot of first time renters and asking advice before you sign up on this.

[Deleted User]

Thank you adg1, I will double check this and contact Endsleigh!

G_M

I'm also doubtful that a policy you take out would cover items that are not yours - though I'm not sure.

suggest you post your question here..