Landlord rent guarantee insurance in the UK is used by following a process rather than by making a claim at the end of one. The steps are fixed by the policy and by possession procedure, and a landlord who knows them keeps the cover live. Most declined claims are a step taken late rather than a condition never met.
The first missed payment
Contact the tenant and record it. Most policies require notification once arrears reach a stated level, commonly one month, within a short window. Telling the insurer early costs nothing and starts the clock properly; waiting to see whether the tenant catches up is the commonest fatal delay.
Notice and proceedings
The insurer's solicitors serve notice and issue proceedings. The paperwork they need is the tenancy, the deposit protection evidence and prescribed information, the gas safety record, the energy certificate and the how to rent guide. A gap in any of those can invalidate the notice and with it the prospects of success test.
Payment and recovery
The policy pays the rent monthly from the trigger point while the process runs, up to the stated period, and often at a reduced percentage for a period after possession is recovered. The arrears remain the tenant's debt, and the insurer may pursue recovery in its own name after paying.
Questions people ask about landlord rent guarantee insurance uk
When do I notify arrears?
Once they reach the level the policy states, commonly one month, and within the short window that follows. Waiting to see if the tenant catches up is the usual mistake.
What paperwork will the solicitors need?
The tenancy, deposit protection evidence and prescribed information, the gas safety record, the energy certificate and the how to rent guide.
Do I still get the arrears back?
The insurer pays you and may pursue the tenant in its own name. The debt remains the tenant's.