Why You Might Need Specialist Landlord Insurance
Many landlords face challenges insuring properties that fall outside the standard buy-to-let model.
At SRS Insurance, we specialise in helping landlords and property investors secure cover for non-standard or higher-risk lets that mainstream insurers often decline.
This guide explains the most common scenarios, the risks involved, and how we can help you stay compliant and protected.
What Is a Non-Standard Let?
A non-standard let is any rental property that carries higher-than-average risk due to:
- The type of tenant (e.g. multiple occupants, supported living)
- The use of the property (e.g. C2 or mixed-use)
- The management structure (third-party or housing provider involvement)
These setups can trigger rejections or restricted cover from mainstream insurers — but SRS works with specialist underwriters who understand these tenancies and price them fairly.
Types of Higher-Risk Rental Properties We Cover
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Multiple, unrelated tenants sharing amenities such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Common among students, professionals, or benefit tenants.
Risks: Higher turnover, wear and tear, and increased fire exposure.
Cover can include:
- Buildings & landlords’ contents
- Property owners’ liability
- Loss of rent
- Legal expenses
- Malicious damage by tenants
Properties Let to Asylum Seekers or Refugees
Often leased to housing providers or government contractors, these properties are fully managed but considered higher-risk due to occupancy and media sensitivity.
What SRS provides:
- Buildings insurance with third-party management clauses
- Extended public and property owners’ liability
- Policies designed for government or housing association lease structures
Assisted Living / Supported Housing Tenancies
Properties housing vulnerable adults, care leavers, or residents with support needs, often under CQC or Ofsted-regulated care.
Risks: Safeguarding exposure, modified premises, and dependency on care provider compliance.
Cover includes:
- Recognition of C2 use class and care provider relationship
- Loss of rent and malicious damage protection
- Tailored liability limits for care-related activities
Halfway Houses / Rehabilitation Homes
Short- or long-term accommodation for ex-offenders, recovering addicts, or reintegration programmes.
Risks: Reputational exposure and potential unregulated care environments.
Our approach:
- Underwriters with experience in rehabilitation and support housing
- Legal expenses and claims assistance
- Custom excess structures to manage costs
Why Standard Insurers Decline These Risks
Mainstream insurers often reject or limit cover because of:
- Perceived tenant unpredictability
- Lack of familiarity with supported housing agreements
- Concerns over unregulated care arrangements
- Public perception or reputational concerns
At SRS Insurance, we take a case-by-case approach, highlighting professional management, regulatory oversight, and maintenance standards to achieve the best possible terms.
Common Risk Traps to Avoid
- Delays from non-specialist insurers → jeopardises legal/auction dates
- Non-disclosure/misrepresentation (e.g., not stating “unoccupied/repossessed”) → can void claims
- Unworkable inspection terms → SRS helps you implement practical weekly inspections, water isolation/drain-down, and security steps that satisfy conditions
Why Choose SRS Insurance
- Specialists in high-risk and non-standard landlord insurance
- Trusted by landlords, housing providers, and investors across the UK
- Direct access to specialist underwriters
- Experience with housing association and council leases
- Options for individual or portfolio policies
- Monthly payments and flexible policy terms
- Full claims and renewal support
We also partner with introducers such as block managers, solicitors, and letting agents — providing compliant, efficient solutions that protect both client and investor interests.