As a landlord or buy-to-let investor you may think the list of rules, regulations and insurances you need is never ending.
Get it right and you should be able to relax and enjoy a secure and steady return on your investment. Get it wrong and you could open yourself up to litigation and huge expense.
One of the most common queries from landlords is the need for Property Owners Liability cover, many landlords often don’t understand why they need it.
As a landlord your priority may understandably be your buildings and contents, but you also need to consider your tenants’ safety as well. You have a duty of care and potential liability if they are injured in your property, which can be covered by Property owners liability insurance. This should be included in your policy, if you’re not sure then check.
Property owners liability is similar to public liability for businesses. It should enable you to meet any costs and damages awarded to a member of the public, including your tenants, if they suffer an injury or accident at your property.
Accidents happen, it could be anything from a loose carpet causing a trip, or a loose tile falling and damaging tenants belongings. Property owners liability insurance provides cover if the tenant decides to make a claim against you for any injury. It’s usually part of the standard cover in a specialist landlord insurance policy.
Property owners insurance typically covers you for damages awarded to the claimant, your legal costs in defending a claim, and their legal costs, if you’re found to be at fault. This cover is also for legal costs and damages should a visitor to the building – tradesman, postman or even a leaseholder’s friend – be injured on the premises when the incident should have been prevented by the owners or managers of the building.