Landlord fixtures and fittings insurance is a question about a line rather than a product. Some of what is in a let property is part of the building and insured under the buildings section. Some is landlord contents. The line between them decides which section pays and which excess applies, and it is drawn slightly differently by different insurers, which is why it is worth reading rather than assuming.
What is usually part of the building
Anything fixed and intended to remain: the fitted kitchen units and worktops, the bathroom suite, built in wardrobes, internal doors, the boiler and the central heating system, fixed electrical fittings, and usually fitted floor coverings where they are laid rather than loose. These are insured under buildings and they are also what a rebuild would have to replace.
What is usually landlord contents
Anything you supplied that could be taken out: white goods, free standing furniture, curtains and blinds, loose carpets and rugs, light fittings that unplug, garden furniture and tools. These are insured under the contents section, which has its own sum insured and often its own excess.
Why the line matters
Two reasons. The excess may differ between the sections, so a small claim can fall in a better or worse place. And the sums insured are separate, so a landlord who puts everything into the buildings figure and leaves contents at a nominal amount is underinsured on the half that actually gets damaged most often.
How to get it right in practice
Do an inventory once, with photographs, listing what you supplied and roughly what it would cost to replace. Use the total to set the contents figure. Keep it with the tenancy paperwork, where it also serves for deposit disputes. It takes an hour and it is the single most useful piece of admin in this part of the policy.
Questions people ask about landlord fixtures and fittings insurance
Are fitted kitchens covered by buildings insurance?
Usually yes, as part of the structure, along with the bathroom suite, built in wardrobes and the heating system.
Are white goods contents or buildings?
Normally contents, because they can be removed. Integrated appliances built into a kitchen are sometimes treated as part of the building, so check the wording.
Do carpets count as contents?
Fitted carpets are frequently treated as buildings and loose ones as contents, though insurers differ. It is worth checking rather than assuming.
How do I set the contents figure?
From an inventory of what you supplied, priced at replacement cost. It doubles as deposit dispute evidence and takes about an hour.