Your cover may no longer be valid: Most landlord insurance policies exclude or restrict cover once a rental is empty for over 30 days.
Standard policies may fall short: Empty properties face higher risks like theft, vandalism, and escape of water, and these are often excluded from basic unoccupied policies unless specialist cover is arranged.
Insurers may impose new conditions: Expect frequent inspection requirements, written inspection reports and utility maintenance — we explain it all in this guide and how Insuristic makes this easier.
Avoid costly underinsurance: Make sure your property has the right rebuild cost to prevent serious financial loss in the event of a claim.
This page will tell you all you need to know.
On this page, we break down exactly when landlords need unoccupied property insurance, what standard policies may exclude, and how specialist cover can help you stay protected between tenancies or during void periods.
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When your rental property is sitting empty, whether between tenants, during refurbishments, or due to legal delays, your standard landlord insurance may no longer provide the cover you expect.
Many policies exclude key risks once a property is unoccupied for over 30 days, leaving landlords exposed at exactly the wrong time.
This guide explains everything you need to know about unoccupied property insurance for landlords: when you need it, what it covers, what conditions to expect, and how to arrange the right protection quickly with Insuristic.
You may also find it helpful to read this guide alongside our Insuring an Empty House and Unoccupied Home Insurance pages to understand the cover options and policy conditions in more detail.
There isn’t a standalone insurance policy officially called "Unoccupied Property Insurance for Landlords". Cover is usually provided on an Unoccupied Home Insurance Policy when a property is between tenants and empty for more than 30 days.
However, many of these policies only offer limited “FLEA cover", which restricts claims caused by Fire, Lightning, Explosion, and Aircraft. That leaves you exposed to some of the most common risks that affect empty properties.
At Insuristic, we recognise that unoccupied let homes face heightened risks — including theft, flood, subsidence, vandalism, and escape of water. That’s why our cover is designed to extend protection beyond the basics, giving landlords peace of mind during any void period.
Most insurers define a property as unoccupied if it hasn’t been lived in for 30 consecutive days or more. Some may allow up to 60 days, depending on the provider
The amount of time they allow for unoccupancy is usually on your policy schedule, or if not contained in your policy wording (often within section relating to a change of risk).
This can easily happen:
When you’re between tenants
During renovation or repairs - which must be declared, as this changes the risk profile
If there are delays when the property is on the market for sale.
While cover varies by provider, a good unoccupied property insurance policy can include:
Empty Buildings insurance to protect against a range of risks. Keep in mind what we said about FLEEA insurance early. Insuristic customers can buy much broader cover under our Silver and Gold cover.
Optional contents cover, useful if appliances or furnishings remain inside
Property owner’s liability, essential for any landlord. This is usually included as standard for a £2m indemnity.
PS when choosing a provider, beware of cancellation fees or non-refundable premiums, even if you haven’t made a claim. Insuristic does not do this, more in this below.
Plus Insuristic customers can choose flexible durations: from short-term insurance (3, 6 or 9 months) to 12-month cover.
For a detailed list of what's included in our policies, visit our Unoccupied Landlord Insurance page.
At Insuristic, we’ve made it simple to get the right protection:
Answer a few quick questions — no complex forms or lengthy application process
Choose your cover level and extras (e.g., contents cover if needed)
Pay securely online — with flexible short-term or annual options and transparent pricing
Offline Support - If you're undertaking structural renovations, there are claims, the property is in a high-risk flood area, or other complexities arise — our underwriting team at SJL Insurance will contact you once your quote is submitted to provide advice and review the market on your behalf.
Need short-term cover?
No problem. You only pay for the time your let is on risk (provided there are no claims).
Unoccupied properties present unique risks — and landlords can’t rely on standard insurance to protect them during empty periods. This guide has explained:
When a let is classed as unoccupied (usually after 30 days)
Why many standard policies restrict or remove cover once unoccupied
How specialist cover from Insuristic helps you stay protected with broader options, flexible terms, and inspection-light requirements
Now, let’s answer some of the most common questions landlords ask…
You can cancel your Unoccupied Home Insurance policy at any time. Here's how cancellation and refunds work:
You’re entitled to a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of either:
The policy start date, or
The day you receive your documents (whichever is later),
as long as no claims have been made.
You can still cancel at any time. As long as no claims have been made (or are pending), you’ll receive a pro-rata refund for the remaining policy period.
There are no admin or cancellation fees, and cancellation is quick and hassle-free, just contact us via email or live chat.
If the property has been sold, occupied or entered probate, we can also help you arrange the correct insurance going forward.
With Insuristic, cancelling is simple. We don’t charge admin or cancellation fees. If your circumstances change and you need to cancel your policy, you’ll receive a pro-rata refund for any unused cover, as long as you haven’t made a claim.
Typically, no. Most landlord insurance policies exclude or restrict cover once the property has been unoccupied for 30 days or more. You’ll usually need specialist unoccupied property insurance.
It depends on your property’s status. If it’s occupied, a standard landlord insurance policy may suffice. But if it’s empty, you'll need a policy that includes appropriate unoccupied cover, like the flexible options available from Insuristic.
There’s no legal requirement, but mortgage lenders often insist on it. And for your own protection, landlord insurance is a must-have.
Most insurers define a property as unoccupied if it hasn’t been lived in for 30 consecutive days. After that, restrictions may apply without unoccupied property insurance.
Most policies allow up to 30 days of unoccupancy before cover is reduced. Some may offer 60 days — but it’s always best to check your policy schedule or wording.
Yes, Insuristic offers flexible policies where you only pay for the time the property is on cover.
It’s optional, but ideal if you leave furniture, appliances or white goods behind.
At Insuristic, we classify fixed flooring (like such as carpets) and blinds as buildings, not contents. Many insurers treat these as contents, which can be more expensive and confusing. Our approach is more logical and often better value, especially since these items usually stay with the property.
If you have further questions, you will find these answered on our empty house insurance FAQ page.
Rob Faulkner is an ACII Chartered Insurance Broker with nearly 30 years' experience in the UK insurance market. He is also a Chartered Manager and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
As the founder of Insuristic, Rob has developed clear, flexible insurance solutions for property owners and people managing empty homes.
You’ll also find Rob writing regularly about probate insurance and risk management, another key area of his expertise.
He’s especially passionate about product development and improving insurance education through marketing to help people understand what they are buying, values that shape everything we do at Insuristic.
Want to learn more? Visit my author page or follow me on LinkedIn.
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Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.
Please Note: Our broking team at SJL Insurance will need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. This is an advised service.