Can a Tenant Insure the Building in England?

If you’re renting a property in England, you might wonder whether it’s possible—or even necessary—for tenants to take out buildings insurance. Understanding who is responsible for insuring the building can help you avoid confusion, protect your deposit, and know your rights and options as a renter under the law.

Who Is Responsible for Buildings Insurance?

In England, the responsibility for buildings insurance almost always rests with the landlord—not the tenant. This insurance covers the structure of the property, including fixed features like the roof, walls, floors, plumbing, windows, and doors. It does not cover your belongings or personal liability as a renter.

• Landlords are typically required by mortgage lenders and lease agreements to have valid buildings insurance for their rental properties.
• Tenants, on standard tenancy agreements, are not expected or obligated to arrange their own buildings insurance.

What About Tenant’s Contents Insurance?

While you can’t insure the building itself as a tenant, you can and should consider getting contents insurance (sometimes called renters’ insurance) to protect your personal belongings against theft, fire, or accidental damage. This is separate from the landlord’s insurance, which won’t cover your items.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are very rare situations where a tenancy agreement might explicitly ask (or allow) a tenant to arrange buildings insurance. This could happen in some full repairing and insuring leases (FRI leases), usually for commercial or high-end rentals—but not for most residential tenancies covered under the Housing Act 1988.¹

If your agreement asks you to insure the building, always check with a legal adviser or contact your local council’s housing advice service for clarification.

What Protection Do Standard Residential Tenants Need?

For almost all renters in England, the most relevant insurance is:

• Contents insurance: Covers personal possessions in case of theft, fire, flood, or accidental damage.
• Liability cover: Some contents policies offer this as an add-on, protecting you if you accidentally cause damage to the landlord’s property.

Relevant Legal Protections

Most renters in England have Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) regulated by the Housing Act 1988.¹ Under this law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property structure and insuring it against risks like fire or flood. Tenants can seek support if a landlord is not fulfilling these obligations, including via local councils or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).²

Key Forms for Renters

• Form N1 (Claim Form): Used by a tenant to start a claim against a landlord, for example if the landlord refuses to carry out repair works they are responsible for. Could be relevant if you suffered loss or expense due to the landlord’s failure to insure the building, leading to unaddressed fire or flood damage. Official Form N1 at GOV.UK.
• Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): While there isn't a specific 'insurance' complaint form for tenants, you can use the leasehold application form to ask the tribunal for a ruling where responsibilities are unclear in complex cases.

It’s rare for renters in normal tenancies to need these forms just on insurance, but they're essential if repairs or losses haven’t been addressed and you need to escalate the issue.

Action Steps for Renters Concerned About Insurance

• Check your tenancy agreement for any clauses about insurance responsibilities.
• Ask your landlord or agent to confirm they have valid building insurance.
• Arrange your own contents insurance if you want to protect your belongings.
• If the landlord refuses to repair or address building damage, contact your local council’s housing team. As a last step, you can use Form N1 or apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Staying informed about your responsibilities and rights helps you avoid unnecessary costs—and potential disputes—with your landlord.

FAQs: Building Insurance and Tenants in England

1. Do I have to insure the building I rent?
   No—most private tenants in England are not responsible for insuring the building. That is the landlord’s duty.
2. What should I do if my landlord insists I get building insurance?
   Check your tenancy agreement, and seek advice from your local council or First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if you believe this is unfair or not standard practice.
3. What insurance should tenants have?
   Contents insurance protects your belongings. Some policies also offer tenant liability cover for accidental damage to the landlord’s property.
4. Can I be held liable for building damage?
   If the damage is caused by your actions (e.g., accidentally starting a fire), you could be liable for repairs. Special tenant liability insurance can protect you in these cases.
5. If the landlord’s insurance fails, what can a renter do?
   You may contact your local council or, for serious landlord failings, make a claim via the N1 claim form or apply to the tribunal as appropriate.

Conclusion: What England Tenants Need to Know

• Tenants in England are not usually responsible for insuring the building they rent.
• Make sure you have contents insurance to cover your personal items, and check your tenancy agreement for any unusual clauses about insurance.
• For disputes over building insurance or repairs, official forms and tribunal services are available to help.

Knowing your rights means fewer surprises and more protection if something goes wrong during your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Private Renting Guide – Official information for tenants
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – for serious tenancy disputes
• Find your local council – for housing advice and support if your property is affected by lack of insurance or repairs

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1. See Housing Act 1988
2. See First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

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