Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance covers you if someone is injured or their property is damaged in or around your let, and they claim it was because of your negligence as landlord. It is often included in landlord insurance. Typical examples include trips on broken paths, injuries from loose handrails, or damage to a neighbour’s belongings caused by something going wrong in your property.
Public liability cover is about protecting against legal claims and compensation costs, including:
Damages awarded to the injured person
Legal fees for defending or settling the claim
Some associated costs, up to the policy limit.
It does not remove your duty to keep the property fit for human habitation and free from hazards under Section 11, HHSRS and the wider Renters’ Rights Act rental standards. If you ignore defects or fail to act on reports of danger, you could still face enforcement action as well as a civil claim and serious breaches might invalidate cover.
Professional landlords check that public liability is included in their buildings/landlord policy and understand the coverage limits. Keep good records of inspections and repairs, and promptly address anything that could cause injury or damage.
Also see our landlord blog articles.
