Can a letting agency force you to take out insurance??

waltergropius

Hi everyone

I am in the process of taking a rental property and the letting agency are insisting that I either take out insurance on my personal possessions through their chosen insurance company, or prove that I already have insurance through someone else. Can they do this? Surely it's up to me whether or not I insure my personal possessions - what's it got to do with them?

:huh:

robpw2

yes they can ,

bryanb

Nothing to do with them, but you may not get the property if you upset them by saying so.

CloudCuckooLand

Probably just an excuse to try and sell you something.

Though I suppose it may be considered a reflection of your attitude towards other people's property if you are not prepared to protect your own.

clutton_2

no they cant force you

SimonMrGreenWard

100% no way jose can they force you to take out insurance for your possessions. Just give them some bogus information to shut them up, they're just trying to flog you something.

Wee_Willy_Harris

THEY can't force YOU to take out insurance. But equally, YOU can't force THEM to rent you a property. But this does sound like more of a sales opportunity than anything else. I guess it just depends if you want the property or not. Insurance is usually a sensible precaution.

waltergropius

Thanks for the replies everyone

The whole thing seems ridiculous. They may as well establish a link with Kellogg's and force me to eat Corn Flakes every morning that I'm in the property for the duration of my tenancy. My possessions are my concern, it's got absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with them. I think I'll just tell them I have no valuable possessions and see what they say to that.

Heliflyguy

How far down the road are you, have you paid the LA fees etc, have you been accepted or are they saying that accepting you as a tenant is now subject to you getting contents insurance?
Were you aware of this proviso prior to paying the fees? (if paid)

Can you get contents insurance before living in a property?
I wonder if the LL is aware of this athough the LL might be wanting any carpeting/flooring to be covered by some kind of insurance but normally the deposit would cover such problems.
Not got a leaky roof has it
if you do go ahead and rent I would make sure you cover everything regarding condition of the place and inventory etc to be on the safe side.

waltergropius

Incidentally, I do fully intend to take out insurance on my possessions. I'm just not prepared to be rushed or pressured into taking out insurance from their chosen company on the basis that they get a commission. It's insulting.

princeofpounds

No they cannot force you to do this contractually. It is a clear unfair term and would not be enforceable.

However, they can abuse their position and refuse to let to you in the first place. The LL would probably not be happy if they found out mind you.

If they are a member of ARLA might be worth reporting (not that they'll get anything other than a nasty letter).