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HMO insurance is very different from landlords insurance. The risks involved are significantly higher and it is essential to seek expert advice.
- Comprehensive insurance covering the additional risks of an HMO.
- Independent advice to help you understand your legal obligations for an HMO.
- Specialist insurance cover.
- Competitive premiums.
The Alan Boswell Group Difference
Being specialists in the property sector we understand the differing risks and legal obligations landlords face. Owning and operating an HMO bring an altogether different set or requirements to a run of the mill buy to let property. With highly skilled individuals we will guide you through the assessment of your risks and exposures when renting out an HMO.
We also have a landlord advice hub that is full of useful information to help landlords and property owners find the advice and products needed.
How our customers rate us
Good value and great during a crisis.
Our NIG landlord insurance policy is a Which? Best Buy.
We take great pride in being recognised for our dedication to providing the best service and comprehensive, tailored cover for our customers’ needs. If you are unsure of the type of cover you need, our expert advisers are available to help over the phone.
HMO Insurance in detail
Our HMO insurance covers:
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All risks
Some insurers will cover 'all risks' material loss or damage to buildings and/or contents.
- Different tenancy types Wide range of tenancy types considered including students and those in receipt of Universal Credit.
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Costs covered
Cover for costs of rehousing a tenant(s) following insured damage to the property.
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Loss of rent
Loss of rent cover following insured damage to the property.
- Property owners' liability Property owners' liability cover up to £5m.
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Employers' liability
Employers' liability cover up to £10m for cleaners, gardeners, caretakers, and persons doing minor maintenance and repairs.
- 90 days' full cover Up to 90 days' full cover between lets for unoccupied properties.
FAQs
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There are varying definitions of an HMO (House of Multiple Occupancies) , but generally speaking, the standard definition is if there are 3 or more tenants at the property forming more than one household and there are shared facilities (bathroom, kitchen etc). A large HMO is defined if the property is at least three storeys high and at least five tenants forming more than one household with shared facilities. Find out more in our article What is HMO insurance.
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More and more HMOs are coming under license and each licensing authority will have their own rules, but the main legal requirements are as follows:
- Annual gas safety checks.
- Electric checks every five years.
- Proper safety measures in place.
- Ensure property is not overcrowded.
- Adequate cooking and cleaning facilities.
- Property is in a good state of repair.
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Yes, we are able to cover these.
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Yes, we can provide rent guarantee for HMOs.
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If it’s just that your tenant(s) have stopped paying rent then the answer is no, however, if the property has suffered material damage and is deemed uninhabitable following an insured event, then yes provided there was a tenancy agreement in place at the time of the loss.
A standard HMO policy doesn’t cover tenants defaulting, however, you can purchase an additional product that provides cover per tenancy for tenants defaulting. The price per tenancy reduces the more tenancies you purchase it for.
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If your policy provides malicious damage caused by tenants cover, then yes you can claim up to the limit stated in your policy schedule or in the policy wording.
Not all HMO insurances cover malicious damage, however, if this is an important requirement it may be possible to purchase this at an additional cost.
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You can pay your HMO insurance through monthly direct debit payments or pay annually.
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Yes, cover is available to most tenant types such as dss, however, there may be a variation in premium dependent on who the tenants are.
Get in touch
Leah Granger
Insurance Adviser
Leah has worked in insurance for over ten years and joined Alan Boswell Group in 2009. She works within the Personal Lines department and specialises…
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