Being a responsible landlord means doing everything possible to maintain a smooth and professional relationship with your tenants. Even with the best intentions, issues can arise. In some cases, you may need to defend your actions or take legal steps to resolve disputes. Unfortunately, legal action can be expensive, and landlord-tenant cases are no exception.

Landlord legal protection insurance provides peace of mind by covering legal costs (up to £50,000 per incident). This support helps you manage disputes, eviction processes, and tenant-related claims without facing heavy financial pressure.

For added security, optional rent guarantee cover protects you if a tenant falls into arrears or leaves owing rent. The policy compensates you up to set limits, helping maintain your rental income.

Key Benefits

• Available as a stand-alone add-on to your existing residential landlord insurance

• Covers loss of rent up to policy limits until possession is regained

• Pays for lost salary or wages when attending court or tribunal hearings

• Covers legal action to evict anyone living at the property without your permission

• Suitable for all tenant types, including flats and HMOs

• Up to £50,000 towards legal costs related to rent recovery or disputes

Legal Protection & Rent Arrears

Many landlord-tenant disputes arise from unpaid rent. Legal protection does not cover the rent itself but does cover the cost of reclaiming arrears. When paired with rent guarantee insurance, landlords get both income protection and legal cover during eviction or recovery action.

How Legal Protection Helps

• Supports you when all attempts to resolve arrears fail

• Covers legal costs for serving a Section 8 notice at the end of a fixed term

• Supports Section 21 notices where no reason for possession is required

• Helps regain possession even if arrears are not automatically reimbursed

• Covers broader civil disputes, not only rent-related issues

Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

To ensure your policy pays out, you must complete proper tenant referencing, including:

• An approved credit reference check

• At least one written character reference

This helps minimise the risk of renting to tenants who may fall into arrears. Excess on rent guarantee claims is typically equivalent to one month’s rent.

FAQs

Why buy landlord legal expenses insurance?

It protects you from the high cost and stress of legal disputes involving tenants. If action is required for eviction, repossession, damage claims, or missed payments, this cover helps manage legal fees up to the stated limits.

What does it cover?

Legal support for court preparation, representation, and wage loss when attending hearings.

What is rent guarantee insurance?

It compensates you if a tenant falls into arrears or absconds, ensuring your rental income continues.

Why is rent protection necessary?

Eviction can be slow and complicated. Rent guarantee ensures you do not lose income while following legal procedures.

Does standard landlord insurance cover unpaid rent?

No. Traditional landlord insurance only covers loss of rent from insured events like fire or flood—not rent arrears.

How can I reduce the risk of unpaid rent?

Build strong communication with tenants

Act quickly on late payments

Use written notices and legally compliant procedures

What do I need to buy rent guarantee insurance?

A full credit check

At least one written reference

What is the step-by-step process for submitting a claim?

Tenant must be contacted with proof within 7 days of being in arrears.  Think you do this already.  Insurer needs to be notified of rent default within 45 days.  1st month of arrears cannot be claimed as classed as the excess where this option chosen. Rent from full 2nd month of arrears can be claimed onwards so landlord only loses a month’s rent.

How do I get a quote?

You can apply online or speak with an insurance adviser to get tailored legal protection and rent guarantee cover.