Complete tenant referencing
Check the tenant's financial and rental history meets the insurer's requirements.
You may need to carry out affordability, credit, employment, and reference checks.
Landlord insurance
Compare rent guarantee insurance.
What is rent guarantee insurance?
Rent guarantee insurance is a type of landlord insurance policy, that covers a landlord’s rental income if a tenant stops paying rent. It is also called tenant default cover.
If your tenant falls behind on their rent, the policy pays a monthly amount (up to the limit set in your policy) until the tenant resumes payment or is legally evicted.
Payments usually continue for a fixed period, such as 6 or 12 months, depending on the policy and insurer.
Landlords must normally follow the correct arrears process and keep records of missed payments.
Does standard landlord insurance cover unpaid rent?
No. Most landlord insurance policies will not cover lost rental income due to tenant non-payment unless you add on rent guarantee cover.
Many standard policies include ‘loss of rent cover’ if the property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, such as a fire or flood. Some policies also include legal expenses to help with the cost of recovering possession of the property or evicting a tenant.
But these types of cover are different to rent guarantee insurance.
How does rent guarantee insurance work?
Rent guarantee insurance is usually sold as an add-on to landlord insurance, not a separate policy.
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Contact the tenant
If your tenant misses a rent payment, make a request for unpaid rent in writing – and again 7 days later if not received.
If you employ a letting agent, they will do this for you.
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Start a claim
After any waiting period stated in your policy, contact your insurer, request a claim form.
Follow your insurer’s claims process and provide all the information and evidence asked for.
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Receive your pay out
If your claim is approved, your provider will cover lost rent payments, minus your agreed excess.
You can continue to claim until you reach the maximum limit (i.e. 12 months) outlined in your policy, or the tenant vacates the property.
Do I need rent guarantee insurance?
It may be worth considering if:
You rely on rental income to cover mortgage payments or other expenses
A prolonged period of unpaid rent would have a significant financial impact
You want extra protection alongside your landlord insurance
If you have sufficient savings to cover missed rent and legal costs, you may decide you don't need this additional cover.
5%^ of renters
went into rent arrears in 2024-25.
What does rent guarantee insurance cover?
Rent guarantee insurance covers missed rental payments when a tenant stops paying – but only once certain conditions are met.
Usually covered:
✔ Missed rent – typically up to £50,000 or up to 12 months. Policies usually cap payouts at a monthly limit (often up to the full monthly rent) and stop once the tenant resumes paying, the tenancy ends or eviction is complete.
✔ Legal expenses – usually up to £50,000. Covers the cost of eviction proceedings, court fees and legal representation.
✔ Legal and tax advice helpline. Provides guidance on tenancy issues, arrears and legal processes.
Usually not covered:
✖️ Non-eligible properties – Commercial properties and tenancies outside the UK are not covered.
✖️ Existing arrears or ending tenancies – Cover doesn't apply if the tenant is already in arrears or has given/received notice to end the tenancy.
✖️ Non-rent disputes – Contract disagreements and issues unrelated to unpaid rent are excluded.
Successful claims usually require:
Full tenant referencing –including credit checks, employment verification and previous landlord references.
A signed tenancy agreement – usually an Assured Periodic Tenancy (AST) under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Proof of arrears – for example, rent must typically be overdue by 30 days before a claim can be submitted.
Correct arrears procedures – such as written reminders, notices and documented communication.
Common grey areas to be aware of include:
Partial payments: Some insurers won’t pay if the tenant pays some rent unless the arrears hit a minimum threshold.
Unreferenced tenants: Claims can be rejected if you have not referenced your tenants.
Rent paid late but not missed: If a tenant pays late but within the required period, it usually won’t trigger a claim
How much does rent guarantee insurance cost?
Several factors influence what you’ll pay for rent guarantee insurance. Understanding these can help you choose the right level of protection for your situation.
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Property type
The type, size and location of your property all play a role. Higher-value properties usually mean higher rents – and because insurers may need to cover larger monthly payments, premiums tend to rise as rent increases.
Properties in areas with higher arrears rates or eviction activity may also cost more to insure.
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Level of cover
The higher the level of cover you choose, the more you’ll pay. Higher missed rent limits, longer payout periods or additional extras (such as enhanced legal cover) will all increase the premium.
Opting for a basic level of protection will be cheaper, but the cover will not be as comprehensive.
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Excess
Your excess is the amount you pay in the event of a claim, before the insurer covers the rest. Choosing a higher excess usually brings the premium down, but it also means you receive a smaller payout if you make a claim.
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Tenant risk
Insurers assess how likely your tenant is to fall behind on rent. Tenants with limited income evidence, gaps in their employment history, poor credit history or no references are usually considered higher risk.
This can increase premiums or limit the level of cover available.
What are the typical eligibility requirements for rent guarantee insurance?
To qualify for rent guarantee cover, landlords will usually need to:
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Tenant referencing
Complete satisfactory tenant referencing before the tenancy begins
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Tenant agreement
Have a valid tenancy agreement in place
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Prompt noficiation
Notify the insurer promptly if the tenant falls into rent arrears and follow the claims process
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Waiting periods
Note that a policy might have a waiting period of 30 to 90 days before you can make a claim
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Pay premiums
Keep the policy in force by paying the required premiums
Compare landlord insurance quotes from 14^ trusted UK providers
By comparing landlord insurance policies from top providers you can quickly find our best deal and save money. Our providers include:
Accurate as of December 2025
What other types of cover can I add to landlord insurance?
As well as rent guarantee cover, you can tailor your landlord insurance with optional add-ons that help protect you from unexpected costs and disruption:
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Buildings insurance
Protects you against the high cost of repairing structural damage, helping you avoid large unexpected bills if something goes wrong
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Contents insurance
Covers landlord-owned items such as furniture, carpets and appliances, if they are damaged or stolen.
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Home emergency cover
Gives you fast, 24-hour help for urgent issues such as boiler failures or burst pipes, reducing stress and minimising disruption for your tenants.
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Legal expenses cover
Helps with the cost of legal action for issues such as eviction, property damage or recovering rent, making disputes easier and less expensive to handle.
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Excess protection
Refunds your excess when you make certain claims, reducing the amount you have to pay in the event of a claim.
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Property owners’ liability
Covers compensation claims if a tenant or visitor is injured due to an issue with your property, protecting you from legal and medical costs.
Our expert says…
Rent guarantee insurance can be a valuable protection for landlords who rely on rental income. “Even experienced landlords who run thorough tenant checks, use professional agents, and manage properties well can still face non-payment.
According to the English Housing Survey, 30% of renters said they found it fairly or very difficult to afford their rent in 2024–25. Among private renters, this rose to 32%.
We’re here to help you compare landlord insurance policies that include rent guarantee alongside buildings and contents cover. Just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll show you competitive quotes tailored to your needs.
Lucas Mansilla Life & Health Insurance Expert
How do I compare rent guarantee insurance quotes?
Comparing landlord insurance policies with rent guarantee cover is easy to do online with MoneySuperMarket. All you need to do is answer some questions and make sure you add 'tenant default' cover to your policy when choosing your cover options. Then we will fetch you quotes from our panel of providers to find you the best price for your policy.
Before you start your journey, there are a few details that you should have on hand to save you some time:
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Property details
There are some basic details about your property that you will need to have ready when applying for insurance. This includes the date it was built, the date you purchased it, and the construction materials.
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Tenant details
You usually need tenant details to buy rent guarantee insurance because the insurer assesses the tenant's eligibility before providing cover. You’ll also need proof they've passed referencing checks.
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Claims history
If you have claimed on landlord insurance in the past, you will need to declare this to providers and answer any questions they may have about the claim.
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Property security details
You will need to know what kind of locks the property has on the doors and windows. You will also need to tell the insurer whether the property will be left unoccupied for more than 45 days once tenants have moved in.
Rent guarantee insurance guides and expert tips
What should I do if I get into a legal dispute with my tenant over rent?
Landlord insurance with legal cover can help UK landlords manage the costs of legal disputes with tenants, including support with certain legal expenses and claims. Landlords should keep accurate records, review the tenancy agreement, and attempt to resolve rent disputes through clear communication or mediation.
Rent guarantee cover can provide protection against unpaid rent if a tenant falls into arrears, helping to safeguard rental income and potentially offering support during the recovery process. Policy terms vary, so landlords should check what is included before relying on cover.
How does rent guarantee insurance work in practice?
A landlord rents out a property for £1,200 per month. The tenant stops paying rent, and after a waiting period (typically 30 to 90 days, depending on the policy), the landlord makes a claim. If approved, the insurer may cover the unpaid rent from the end of the waiting period, subject to the policy limits and conditions.
Many rent guarantee policies provide cover for a set period, often 6–12 months of unpaid rent (some policies may offer longer), while also including legal support for possession proceedings. The exact waiting period, maximum claim duration, and exclusions vary by insurer, so landlords should check their policy wording carefully.
What do I need for rent guarantee insurance?
To get rent guarantee insurance, landlords typically need a valid tenancy agreement, proof that the tenant has passed required referencing checks, and evidence that the rent is affordable based on the tenant’s income. Insurers may also require the property to meet certain standards and for rent payments to be made through an approved method.
Landlords usually need to provide details of the property, tenancy, and tenant, and the policy must often be arranged before rent arrears occur. Requirements vary between insurers, so it is important to check the specific eligibility criteria and exclusions before taking out cover.
Do I need to perform checks on my tenants to get rent guarantee insurance?
Yes, most UK rent guarantee insurance policies require landlords to carry out tenant checks before the policy starts. This usually includes tenant referencing, such as checking income, employment status, credit history, and previous rental history, to confirm the tenant can afford the rent.
Rent guarantee insurance vs rent guarantor: what is the difference?
Rent guarantee insurance is a policy that protects a landlord by covering unpaid rent if a tenant defaults. A rent guarantor is a person or organisation that legally agrees to pay the rent if the tenant cannot. Insurance involves a claim with an insurer, whereas a guarantor involves direct legal responsibility for the tenant’s rent obligations.
What are the drawbacks of rent guarantee insurance?
The drawbacks of rent guarantee insurance include the cost of the policy, strict eligibility requirements, claim exclusions, and the possibility that the insurer may not pay if policy conditions are not met. It can also involve administrative processes and delays when making a claim.
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Reviewed on 30 Jul 2026 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Data for private renters in England who reported being in rent arrears at least once in a 12 month period.
Source: UK Government, 'Housing costs and affordability' July 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/chapters-for-english-housing-survey-2024-to-2025-headline-findings-on-demographics-and-household-resilience/chapter-2-housing-costs-and-affordability
accurate as of April 2026
