Specialist insurance 'vital' for all landlords

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It is vital that landlords think about taking out specialist insurance to protect them and their tenants.

That's the opinion of Hazel Rees, an account handler at broker Rawlins. She explained that standard home insurance polices might not provide cover for buy-to-let properties.

Mr Rees added that the correct insurance was "absolutely" advisable for landlords, "particularly from a liability point of view".

She said: "Property owners' liability would protect the landlord in case his building caused damage or injury to somebody - say if a tile fell off the roof and landed on a car or somebody's head, it would protect [the landlord] in case they are sued for injury or damage.

"If the tenant is injured as a result of their being in the property - and the landlord is negligent in some way - then they're protected."

However, Ms Rees added that the type of tenant in a property could affect the premiums landlords have to pay for insurance.

As well as noting that student properties are typically more expensive to insure, Ms Rees explained: "If it's a flat above a shop or office, or other commercial premises, there's an increased fire risk, so [the cost would rise]."

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