As a landlord, you probably already know how important it is for you to have appropriate landlords’ insurance in place for your buy to let property. Equally important though, is to be sure that there is provision in the insurance for empty properties.

That’s because from an insurance point of view, the risks that your property faces when it is empty can be quite different to those that may be encountered if and when you have tenants in occupancy.

Of course, there are some elements of insurance for your buy to let property that apply whether or not your house is occupied.

A good example of this would be buildings insurance cover against damage from the standard perils of fire, flood, storms, earthquake etc.

If something of this nature is going to happen, it will do so whether or not there is anyone in the house.

Different risks

If your property is empty though, the risks change and that is why your buildings insurance may apply specific conditions and you may need specific insurance for empty properties cover.

There may be some differences between insurance providers but typically a property will be considered empty if it is unoccupied for periods in excess of 30 consecutive days.

This is typically because if your property does get damaged in some way, the damage may go unnoticed if the property is empty.

This could result in additional deterioration of the building, which could, in turn, result in a bigger claim costing the insurance company more money – something that you can be sure they are keen to avoid!

An obviously empty building that is starting to look a bit run down or neglected can also act as a magnet for thieves or vandals. Apart from the actual damage they do, there may be additional deterioration of the building as a result of broken doors and windows allowing in the rain or wind etc.

Different requirements for insurance for empty properties

So to help minimise the levels of risk to an empty property, your insurers may have different conditions or insurance for empty properties. This may include requiring you to:

• notify them immediately you know the property is going to be empty for more than a certain period (typically 30 days);
• ensure that your property is inspected regularly and a log of visits maintained;
• drain down water and heating systems to avoid risks of liquid damage if frost damages pipes etc or;
• arranging for the heating to be left on to maintain a certain level or heat to avoid frozen pipes;
• arrange for the outside of the property to be kept in good repair and the garden to be kept tidy;

Not just for landlords

Even if you are not a landlord your home insurance may not cover your property if it is left unoccupied for 30 days or longer.

So if you are planning an extra long holiday or are going away on business, it may be worthwhile checking your policy and having a word with your insurer if you are in any doubt about insurance for empty properties.