Is Your Cheshunt Buy-to-Let Properly Insured? Here’s What Landlords Must Know

Think Your Rental Is Covered? You Might Be Wrong.

Shockingly, fewer than half of tenants (just 46%) have contents insurance* – leaving many landlords in Cheshunt exposed to risks they didn’t sign up for.

If you own a buy-to-let in Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, or Turnford, understanding your insurance responsibilities could save you from costly surprises. Here's what every landlord needs to know.

What Landlords Are Legally and Practically Responsible For

The golden rule of property insurance? Insure what you own. But in the world of rentals, it’s rarely that clear cut.

Buildings Insurance – Your Responsibility

As the property owner, you’re responsible for insuring the building. This includes protection against:

• Fire and flood

• Storm damage

• Subsidence

• Vandalism and theft

We strongly recommend landlords take out specialist landlord buildings insurance – not a standard homeowner’s policy – to ensure full buy-to-let coverage.

Should You Insure the Contents?

If You Furnish It, Insure It

If your Cheshunt rental comes with furniture, appliances, carpets or curtains, you should have contents insurance for those items.

But your tenant’s belongings? Not your responsibility. Tenants should insure their own contents – from tech and furniture to bikes and personal items.

Pro tip:

Encourage your tenants to take out their own contents and tenant liability insurance. While you can’t make it mandatory, it protects both parties in the event of accidental damage or negligence.

Additional Protection Landlords Should Consider

Public Liability Cover

Protects you if a tenant or guest is injured due to property-related negligence – e.g. a loose stair rail or broken floorboard.

Landlord Home Emergency Insurance

Covers urgent breakdowns like boiler failure, blocked drains or power loss – giving peace of mind and faster resolution.

Accidental or Malicious Damage

Sometimes things go wrong – this add-on protects your property from tenant-related mishaps or wilful damage.

Legal Expenses & Rent Guarantee

Covers legal costs for evictions, disputes, or recovering rent arrears. Rent Guarantee Insurance can protect your income even if a tenant stops paying.

Loss of Rent & Alternative Accommodation

If your property becomes uninhabitable, this cover ensures you’re not out of pocket and your tenant has a place to stay.

What Should Cheshunt Landlords Do Now?

Audit your current policies – are you underinsured or missing critical protection?

Shop around and compare landlord-specific insurance providers.

Check the policy wording – especially exclusions, excesses and limits.

Let Woodhouse Take the Stress Out of Letting

At Woodhouse Property Consultants, we’ve been helping local landlords across Cheshunt, Waltham Cross and Turnford since 1996. Whether you're building your buy-to-let portfolio or letting your first flat, our fully managed letting service ensures:

• Reliable tenants

• Legal compliance

• Stress-free property management

• Clear communication and regular updates

Based on Turners Hill, we know the local market inside out – from Brookfield Riverside regeneration to Cheshunt station commuters.

Get in touch today to speak with one of our expert property managers and make sure your rental investment is protected from all angles.

???? Visit www.woodhouseproperty.co.uk or call 01992 637777

*Source: Insurance provider Paymentshield.
???? Looking to maximise your property’s potential? Check out our Landlord Services page.