Water damage is a landlord’s worst nightmare. It can wreak havoc on your property and cost a small fortune to repair.
According to the Association of British Insurers, £286m of weather-related claims in 2023 were due to flooding with a further £153m for burst frozen pipes.
The value of non-weather-related water damage also rose by 20% compared to 2022.
This is why Landlord Insurance can often be a lifeline in these situations.
Does Landlord Insurance cover water damage?
Landlord Insurance covers sudden and accidental water damage to your rental property.
This means things like burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, or damage caused by severe weather (such as roof leaks from a storm).
However, there are exclusions to be aware of, so it’s important to check your specific policy details.
Types of water damage that can be covered by Landlord Insurance
Burst pipes
This is a classic example. If a pipe unexpectedly ruptures due to age, wear and tear, or freezing temperatures, your insurance should cover repairs to the pipe and the resulting water damage.
Appliance malfunctions
A faulty dishwasher overflowing or a washing machine hose bursting are situations where your insurance would likely kick in to cover repairs and the water damage they cause.
Severe weather
If a storm rips off your roof and rainwater leaks in, or a cellar floods due to heavy rain, your insurance should help cover the repairs to the building and the resulting water damage.
However, some policies might exclude flood damage – especially if you live in a flood-prone area. In this case, you might require additional flood insurance.
Possible exclusions
Gradual leaks
Landlord Insurance typically doesn’t cover damage caused by slow leaks that develop over time.
This is considered a maintenance issue. For example, a poorly sealed bath that slowly rots the floor below is unlikely to be covered.
Accidental damage
Accidental damage isn’t always included, so you may want to add this cover for any accidental water damage caused by your tenant.
This could include things like leaving a window open during heavy rain or forgetting to turn off the tap while running a bath. Be sure your lease agreement also clearly outlines tenant responsibilities.
Lack of maintenance
Your insurance assumes you take reasonable steps to maintain your property. If water damage arises from neglecting proper maintenance (for example, not protecting your pipes in the winter), your insurer might deny your claim.
Tips for landlords
Take some time to thoroughly read and understand the policy wording. Pay close attention to covered perils, exclusions, and cover limits.
By familiarising yourself with the full breadth of exclusions, you can avoid any potential surprises during a claim and make informed decisions about adding additional cover if necessary.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing water damage and keeping your insurance in good standing.
This includes inspecting pipes and appliances for leaks, winterising pipes in cold climates, and promptly addressing any maintenance requests from tenants regarding potential water issues.
A well-written lease agreement, which clearly outlines tenant responsibilities regarding water damage prevention, is crucial.
This could include notifying you promptly of any leaks and properly using appliances.
What to do in case of water damage
The faster you address the water source and take steps to mitigate the damage (such as turning off the water supply or removing wet furnishings), the less severe the damage will be and the easier the claims process.
Take photos and videos of the damage from various angles, including the source of any leaks where applicable. Keep copies of all repair bills and receipts as documentation will be crucial when filing a claim with your insurer.
File a claim promptly, following your insurer’s instructions carefully. You should also be prepared to answer questions about the cause of the damage and the extent of the repairs needed.
Get Landlord Insurance at UKinsuranceNET
By understanding your policy, taking proactive measures to prevent water damage, and acting swiftly in the event of a problem, you can ensure you’re in the best position to minimise the expense, stress and inconvenience of water damage.
Landlord Insurance can also be a valuable tool for protecting your property.
UKinsuranceNET can help you to find the right policy for you and your property. We offer a wide range of policies from leading insurers, so you can arrange the level of cover to suit your needs.
Get an instant online quote or contact us directly on 01325 346328 to discuss your requirements with one of our knowledgeable advisers.
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
