What’s landlord legal protection?
Landlord legal protection is a landlord insurance add-on. It helps with legal costs if you go to court with a tenant for issues like eviction, property disputes or chasing unpaid rent.
Any claim must have a 51% or greater chance of us winning the case. We also don't cover incidents that happen within the first 90 days if you haven't had a landlord legal protection policy before.
What legal disputes are covered?
Our Landlord Legal Protection covers you for common disputes such as:
Evicting a tenant
If your tenant doesn’t meet their tenancy obligations
Pursuing rent arrears
If you need to chase a tenant for missed rent payments
Property disputes
Pursuing or defending any property damage disputes
It also covers
Criminal prosecution
For any prosecution brought against you relating to the letting of the property
Identity fraud
Where someone uses your identity without your knowledge or permission
Tax disputes
Arising directly from business enquiries
Hotel expenses and storage costs
While attempting to get a possession order
Contract disputes
Costs following a breach of contract
Tenant dilapidations pursuits
Where a tenant has caused damage to your property
What isn’t covered?
While we aim to help you with your legal disputes, here are some of our general exclusions:
- rent, rate or land tribunals, rent assessment committees or rent officers
- civil claims with less than a 51% chance of us winning
- court-ordered fines, penalties, compensation or damages
- disputes within 90 days of taking out cover, if the tenancy started before you took out this policy
- incidents that happened before the policy start date
- claims reported more than 180 days after you found out about the insured incident
However, always refer to your policy document to find what is and isn’t covered.
How do I add Landlord Legal Protection to my policy?
Gold and Platinum Landlord Insurance includes Landlord Legal Protection as standard. Existing and new Admiral tier customers can add it to their policy for just £20.76.
If you want to add it to your existing policy, get in touch
How can Landlord Legal Protection benefit me?
Below are some case studies where Landlord Legal Protection helped landlords like you.
Damp from neighbour’s property
The landlord discovered damp in their property and obtained a report that showed the neighbour’s property caused the issue. The neighbour refused to accept liability.
Outcome: The landlord put in a Landlord Legal Protection claim and had a panel solicitor appointed. The panel solicitor agreed that the neighbour should cover the repair cost.
Damage by previous tenants
The landlord discovered a previous tenant caused extensive damage to the inside of the property. This had to be repaired at a cost to the landlord before another tenant could move in.
Outcome: Using Landlord Legal Protection, the appointed solicitor recovered the repair cost from the tenants.
Hotel and storage costs
The landlord needed a possession order so they could move into their property. However, while this was processed, they had nowhere to stay.
Outcome: Landlord Legal Protection covered the landlord’s costs for staying in a hotel until the possession order was granted.
Your questions answered
Can I use my own solicitor?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
While most claims will be dealt with by our recommended solicitors, there are instances where you can request your own, such as when legal proceedings have already been issued, or if there’s a conflict of interest with the recommended solicitor.
If a non-recommended solicitor has been approved, then the costs payable are limited to our standard advisor's costs, which is £100 per hour (this amount may vary).
What can invalidate Landlord Legal Protection?
Incorrect or missing tenant referencing is a common reason for invalidated Landlord Legal Protection.
Tenant referencing is a legal requirement that verifies whether tenants are right for you and your property. At a minimum, it involves a credit check.
We have a guide on tenant referencing for landlords if you need help.
How do I claim?
If your policy started:
- on or before 31st August 2022, call 0333 234 3316
- on or after 1st September 2022, call 0117 927 1853
If you're unsure when your policy started, check your documents in MyAccount.
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