Landlord insurance

Del_Boy_Gupta

Can anyone point in the direction of any decent companies offering landlords building insurance

Also can someone please clarify if the landlord or tenant is reasonable for the changing of any locks following an attempted break in- the tenants says it is my responsbility but as they have been there for almost a year my view would be that if they hadn't requested it till now then it would not be my responsibility.

Any views

Mary_Hartnell

If your tenants are feeling insecure, they won't feel happy living in your property.

Most locks are easy to change yourself, no more than a morning's work at most.
Mortice ones tend to be the same size and latch locks just need a new barrel.

If you have access to three properties: B2L, relative's home, your home simply switch them round so that the compromised lock is in relative's door.

Locks wear out so that eventually any new keys won't work in them.

So having a replacement set of locks is a useful spare to have in the repair kit.
(could come in useful on Xmas eve!)

Sometimes sorting out problems makes more sense than quibbling about the legalities at a time you should be sympathetic.

What makes you think the locks have been compromised as it was an "attempted" break in ?

Beware of demands to put locks on the internal door, they can get you into hot water if there is a fire, are yet another source of lost key hassle and are easily smashed once a thief is inside the property --- guess who is expected to repair the internal damage.

dunstonh

Most buildings insurance policies will cover let properties. You wont need contents insurance as that is the responsibility of the tenants. Although if it is furnished by you, then it is possible with some companies.

If it is an insurance event, then replacement locks comes under contents insurance which the tenant has.

If it is wear and tear, then it is your responsibility.

You say it was an attempted break in which means they should claim for the locks under their insurance.

Del_Boy_Gupta

thanks for that advice- however i note that not many insurers cover let properties- anyone know who does?

dunstonh

Most insurance companies do cover let properties. However, what you have probably been doing is attempting to get quotes online using their residential bedroom rated policy for buildings and contents combined. You just need the buildings element and you dont want one that is specifically for owner occupiers.

Basically you are looking in the wrong place. A traditional broker or IFA would have no problem placing it. You may even find they are cheaper than some of these quote sites.