Often referred to as landlord insurance, buy to let home insurance offers owners of rental property protection not offered in homeowner’s policies. Buy to let insurance does not cover personal property owned by tenants, but does provide liability coverage in the event tenants are injured on the premises.

In addition to liability coverage, buy to let home insurance protects investor cash flow in the event of property damage caused by fire, flooding or tenant neglect. Different types of coverage are available. Landlords can obtain policies that offer coverage for property damage, legal expenses, and up to one year of lost rental income.

Two of the most common challenges landlords face is rent collection and property damage caused by tenants. When tenants default on lease contracts landlords must follow protocol outlined in their states’ landlord tenant laws.

In order to collect past due rent, evict tenants, or sue for property damage, landlords must file legal documents through small claims or civil court. Most states require landlords to submit specific documents to tenants first when attempting to collect unpaid rent. If tenants fail to pay rent monies or offer a payment plan, landlords can commence with collection action.

When tenants cause property damage to the rental home landlords are responsible for related legal expenses and court costs until a judge orders restitution from the tenant. Unfortunately, landlords may never recover the full amount even when a judgment is in place.

Including legal expenses in buy to let policies is usually an additional cost. However, the cost of a lawsuit far outweighs the cost of insurance coverage.

Buy to let home insurance may also include coverage for tenant inflicted property damage. If damage causes the home to become inhabitable, landlord insurance can cover the costs of renovation. Landlords can also receive compensation for lost rental income during the renovation process. Property owners will need to discuss the level of property damage coverage with their insurance agent.

As with most types of insurance policies, buy to let home insurance offers different types of coverage. Some only cover property damage caused by fire or tenants, while others offer coverage for lost rental income. Some landlord insurance policies offer full replacement cost, while others subtract depreciation costs from the item being replaced.

Real estate investors should have sufficient buy to let insurance in place before renting investment property. At minimum, investors must have liability insurance. If tenants are injured on the premises due to landlord neglect, tenants can initiate a lawsuit to recover medical expenses and lost wages. Without adequate liability coverage property owners will be held personally responsible for injury-related expenses.

Buy to let insurance policies should offer sufficient coverage for repair costs for damage caused by fire or flood. Some landlord policies offer coverage for vandalism, property deterioration, and replacement cost of appliances and personal property owned by landlords, but used by tenants. This is a good choice for real estate investors offering furnished rental or vacation homes.

Investors who fail to obtain sufficient buy to let home insurance coverage leave their self open for financial disaster. Many insurance providers offer buy to let insurance at affordable prices. The cost of policies can be added to rental rates so property owners do not incur out-of-pocket expenses. Don’t place investment properties at risk. Invest in buy to let insurance and rest knowing properties and tenants are adequately insured.

NSH 2500 Berkley Evans, GA Christine May Exit Realty Leading Edge www.realestatebook.com NSH2500Berkley1900 Energy Star home with upgrades galore, 4 bedroom, 3 bath ranch (3 bedrooms are down and 1 up) eat-in-kitchen with custom cabinets and granite countertops, great room with fireplace, hardwood and tile flooring, 2 car garage with workshop area. Privacy fenced yard, Community Pool & playground, Greenbrier Schools. This home is conveniently located to Ft. Gordon, I-20, hospitals and shopping, Patriots Park, and Family YMCA. www.virtuallyshow.com LESS THAN RENT – Payment Example: 24/mo P&I for 1900 loan amount at 4.5% APR @ 30 years fixed interest rate *Add for taxes, homeowners insurance & mortgage insurance (for total payment in the 00/mo range) *Pay NO money down with VA loans (pay 3.5% down FHA) *Certain restrictions apply; interest rate is subject to change. *Apply FREE at www.AugustaLoanStore.com If you would like to view these or ANY other homes FOR SALE call Christine May of Exit Realty Leading Edge at (
Video Rating: 0 / 5

More Home Insurance Articles