Legal expenses and rent protection insurance
Legal expenses and rent protection insurance
As a landlord, you will understand how crucial it is to protect your property from unforeseen circumstances. Total Landlord is offering NRLA members additional protection with their legal expenses and rent protection insurance (also known as rent guarantee insurance) as an ‘add on’ to a buildings and contents insurance policy.
Whether you're facing the unfortunate situation of a tenant who is unable to pay their rent or navigating complex legal issues, Total Landlord's tailored insurance solution will safeguard your rental income and protect you from costly legal disputes, providing peace of mind and the support you need to manage any challenges confidently.
For a competitive quote and to discuss your insurance needs please call 0203 907 1779 or click the button below.
The role of legal expenses insurance
Alongside rent arrears, landlords often face unexpected legal disputes, ranging from tenancy disagreements to property damage claims. Legal battles can be expensive, so legal expenses insurance provides the financial backing you need to cover legal fees and deal with disputes effectively.
Benefits of legal expenses insurance for NRLA landlords
Legal cost coverage for landlords - Covers up to £100,000 for legal fees related to evictions, property disputes and tenancy issues, so you don’t have to face these battles alone.
Eviction support and legal representation – If eviction proceedings are required, we will appoint a solicitor to represent you throughout the process. Total Landlord cover costs associated with both mediation and formal legal action, making sure you are equipped to regain possession of your property.
Access to professional legal advice: You have access to a 24/7 legal helpline staffed by specialist lawyers who can provide immediate assistance regarding any legal problems that arise.
Legal expenses can quickly add up, turning a minor issue into a major financial headache. This important insurance helps you manage the cost of resolving disputes professionally and effectively, while keeping your property protected.
Why rent protection insurance matters
One of the most common concerns a landlord faces is the risk of a tenant falling behind on their rent. This can disrupt your finances and leave you scrambling to cover mortgage payments, maintenance costs, or other essential expenses.
Rent protection insurance steps in to provide financial protection when tenants fail to meet their rental obligations, acting as a buffer to help you manage your rental income and avoid financial strain.
Benefits of rent protection insurance for NRLA landlords
Protection for unpaid rent - Our rent protection insurance covers missed rent payments up to £2,500 per month for up to six months, helping you maintain financial stability even if tenants fall into arrears.
Monthly rent payments during the eviction process - While you work through the legal process of eviction, we cover the rent payments you’re owed for six months so that your income doesn’t stop.
Support with recovering overdue rent – We also assist with recovering unpaid rent, helping you receive the payments you’re entitled to without added stress.
Rent protection insurance will be increasingly important for NRLA landlords looking to minimise financial disruption and maintain stability during legislative change due to the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Key legal expenses and rent protection policy coverage
| Coverage area | Details |
|---|---|
| Rent protection | Covers unpaid rent up to £2,500 per month for up to six months |
| Tenant mediation and eviction | Covers legal costs to mediate disputes and evict tenants |
| Legal costs for property disputes | Covers up to £100,000 for legal expenses for eviction, property disputes, or damage claims |
| Legal helpline | Access to 24/7 legal advice for any property-related issues |
| Hotel expenses | Covers up to £150 per day for hotel expenses if possession is needed for the landlord to live in the property (up to 30 days) |
| Storage costs | Covers up to £20 per day for up to 30 days for storing personal belongings if property possession is delayed |
| Tax disputes |
Business full enquiries: £10,000 any one claim Business aspect enquiries: £2,000 any one claim |
Paul Shamplina on the importance of rent and legal protection insurance for landlords.
Paul Shamplina, founder of NRLA legal services supplier, Landlord Action, and a recognised voice within the property sector, has worked with countless landlords facing legal battles and rent arrears.
His expertise in dealing with these issues highlights the critical role that legal expenses insurance plays in helping landlords stay on the right side of the law.
When landlords are faced with eviction proceedings, the process can be costly and emotionally draining. Legal expenses insurance acts as a lifeline, providing the necessary financial support so landlords can take action without worrying about the expenses involved. It's about making sure landlords are protected, both legally and financially.
With over 30 years of experience in helping landlords, Paul’s backing reflects the importance of having the right protection in place to navigate the legal complexities of property management.
How to get a quote for legal expenses and rent protection insurance
As an NRLA member, getting a quote for legal expenses and rent protection insurance is quick and easy.
Simply contact our team, and we’ll guide you through the process, explaining the options available to you and tailoring the cover to meet your specific needs.
For a competitive quote and to discuss your insurance needs please call 0203 907 1779.
Customer testimonials for legal expenses and rent protection insurance
I made a claim when my tenant refused to pay rent. My claim for both rent arrears and compensation for temporary accommodation was paid to me quickly and with no issue, whilst a solicitor was arranged to act on my behalf to evict my tenant. I am very satisfied with the outcome and very much appreciate my provider’s assistance.
I want to pass on my thanks to my provider for their invaluable support and professionalism during a difficult period. We were facing considerable rent arrears, were deeply distressed about the legal process and anxious about our capacity to support our outgoings. Throughout our claim my provider was supportive, which was very assuring given the circumstances.
I had a tenant issue and didn't know how to go forward with eviction proceedings. The legal advice I was given was very clear and the relevant documents were forwarded by email. I've always received good advice from my provider, they are very supportive, and as a landlord, it’s nice to have someone on my side.
Legal expenses and rent protection insurance FAQs
Q: What is rent protection insurance?
Rent protection insurance (also known as rent guarantee insurance) is a type of cover designed for landlords to protect against potential financial losses if tenants fail to pay their rent. Landlords receive rental payments even when tenants default, typically covering missed rent for a set period of six months.
Q: What does rent protection insurance cover?
No matter how dependable a tenant may be, there can be times when they struggle to keep up with rent payments, possibly due to illness or job loss. This can be worrying for landlords, who still need to cover mortgage payments and other expenses, despite understanding their tenants' challenges. Rent protection insurance, also known as tenant default insurance, protects landlords from financial losses if their tenants don't pay rent. It can cover: rental income, legal expenses, property damage, repossession and evicting squatters.
Q: Is it worth getting rent protection insurance?
One of the key advantages of rent protection insurance is the security of a steady income. Landlords depend on a consistent monthly payment for financial stability and to cover overhead costs. Renting properties can be risky, particularly if a tenant defaults on the rent. With growing uncertainties in the buy-to-let market, more landlords are opting for rent protection insurance to safeguard their investments. This crucial coverage offers protection against lost rental income, legal costs, and the challenges of changing legislation.
Q: Within how many days must a claim be reported when the tenant defaults on rent?
Rent protection claims must be reported as soon as possible and within 45 days of the insured event. Legal expenses claims must be reported within 180 days unless it is relating to tenant mediation and eviction, which is 45 days.
Q: What is the excess on legal expenses and rent protection insurance?
There is no excess to pay on Total Landlord’s rent protection and legal expenses cover, with the exception of tax disputes (business aspect enquiries) when there is a £200 excess.
Q: Is tenant referencing a requirement of rent protection insurance?
Yes, you will need to provide evidence that you carried out a four-point reference check and if there is a guarantor they will also need to be referenced in the same way. As a minimum this should include proof of identity from the tenant, utility bill or bank statement, credit check and confirmation of employment. Our NRLA guide to tenant referencing contains more information.
Q: Can rent protection insurance be taken out without a tenancy agreement?
No, a written tenancy agreement signed between the landlord and tenant must be in place for the policy to be valid. For full terms and conditions please see our policy wording.
Q: Is taking a tenancy deposit a condition of rent protection insurance?
Yes, a tenancy deposit of a minimum of one month’s rent must be retained as a deposit.
Q: How much is rent protection insurance?
The cost of landlord rent protection insurance is a set price of £193.80 per tenancy agreement. It’s important to recognise that rent protection insurance offers valuable financial protection, so evaluating the cost-benefit ratio is key when factoring it into your property management expenses.
Q: Why do landlords need legal expenses cover?
In some cases, a landlord may have no option but to evict a tenant, possibly due to several months of unpaid rent. Having legal expenses insurance in addition to rent protection coverage can alleviate the financial strain in an eviction situation and assist in recovering lost rental income. Total Landlord’s legal expenses insurance covers up to £100,000 for legal expenses for eviction, property disputes, or damage claims, as well as access to 24/7 legal advice for any property-related issues.
Q: How much is legal expenses insurance?
The cost of legal expenses insurance is a set price of £26.20 per tenancy agreement.
Do you need landlord insurance?
Total Landlord, powered by Total Property, has been providing specialist insurance products for the private rented sector for over 25 years. As property experts we don’t just offer buy to let insurance, we can also provide cover for your own home, your short term let, your UK holiday home or your commercial property.
Simply contact our team, and we’ll guide you through the process, explaining the options available to you and tailoring the cover to meet your specific needs.
For a competitive quote and to discuss your insurance needs please call 0203 907 1779 or follow the button below.
Useful resources
The landlord’s lifeline: Legal and rent protection in the age of the Renters’ Rights Bill
In this guide, NRLA insurance partner, Total Landlord, explains why the Renters’ Rights Bill increases the need for legal expenses and rent protection insurance, the benefits of securing cover, and other best practices you can adopt to reduce your risks once the Bill becomes law.
Top 5 landlord insurance pitfalls: What to watch out for in 2025
Landlords often face challenges that could be minimised with proactive maintenance, regular inspections, and effective tenant communication. But even the most prepared property owners can encounter unforeseen incidents. But what are the biggest risks landlords are likely to face when it comes to their rental properties? Total Landlord provide an essential snapshot of risks faced by property owners with the five most common and costly claims.
7 steps to buy-to-let success
In this article, NRLA insurance partner, Total Landlord, explores the seven essential steps that will guide you towards becoming a better landlord and running a successful rental business.
Complete guide to inventory for landlords
A rental property inventory is a detailed document that records the contents and condition of a property, both inside and out. The inventory should be completed before a tenant moves in, when they move-out, and can also be used during periodic inspections throughout the tenancy. NRLA partner, Total Landlord, outlines the complete guide to a comprehensive inventory.
The complete guide to tenant referencing for landlords
Thorough tenant referencing is one of the most critical steps you can take as a landlord to protect your property and maximise the chances of having a successful tenancy. Evidence of a robust reference check is also a requirement of most landlord insurance policies. NRLA insurance partner, Total Landlord, has to put together this comprehensive guide.
Please note that any contract for the supply of goods/services will be made between you and the provider of the goods/services; not with the National Residential Landlords Association or any of its associated companies. The NRLA has no liability in relation to any contract entered into by you as the NRLA only acts as an introducer.
