HMO Property Insurance Checklist: What to Have Ready Before You Enquire
The details insurers and specialist brokers usually ask about an HMO, from tenant numbers and licensing to fire safety and unoccupancy — a practical checklist for landlords.
HMO Insurance · 4 October 2026 · 7 min read
HMO property insurance is priced and underwritten around how the house is actually used. Having the right details ready before you enquire means a specialist broker can find insurers who accept the risk, and it reduces the chance of cover being written on the wrong basis.
This checklist sets out the information landlords are commonly asked for. It is general information, not advice.
What Counts as an HMO for Insurance Purposes?
A house in multiple occupation is generally a property let to three or more people forming more than one household who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Insurers usually want to know whether the property is an HMO even when it does not need a licence, because shared occupancy changes the risk. The legal definitions are set out on GOV.UK's HMO licensing page.
1. Occupancy Details
- Number of letting rooms and the maximum number of occupants
- Whether rooms are let individually or on one joint tenancy
- Tenant type — for example students, working professionals or tenants receiving housing benefit
- Whether any rooms are let on a short-stay or serviced basis
2. Licensing
- Whether the property holds a mandatory, additional or selective licence
- The licence expiry date and any conditions attached
- Whether a licence application is pending
HMO insurance requirements explains how licensing relates to cover.
3. The Building
- Year of construction and type of construction (standard brick and tile or non-standard)
- Listed status, if any
- A rebuild cost figure for the buildings sum insured — see block of flats rebuild cost for how rebuild cost differs from market value
- Any flat roof areas, extensions or loft conversions
4. Fire Safety and Compliance
- Fire alarm system, fire doors and emergency lighting where required
- Current gas safety certificate and electrical installation condition report (EICR)
- Fire risk assessment for the shared areas
Insurers commonly treat these as conditions of cover, so it helps to know the dates of each certificate.
5. Cover You Want to Discuss
- Buildings and landlord contents in shared areas
- Property owners' liability
- Loss of rent and alternative accommodation
- Optional sections such as malicious damage by tenants or legal expenses
What does landlord insurance cover explains each section in plain English.
6. History and Unoccupancy
- Claims in the last five years
- Any period when the property is expected to be empty — most policies change terms after 30 to 60 days unoccupied; see unoccupied rental property insurance
Making an Enquiry
Landlord Quote does not arrange cover, give advice or quote premiums. When you send your HMO details, we share them, where the enquiry matches, with an FCA regulated broker who specialises in HMO insurance and contacts you directly. HMO insurance explained is a good next read.
Beyond Leads Ltd T/A Landlord Quote is an FCA authorised lead generation business. We do not give advice, arrange cover or quote premiums. If your enquiry is matched, your details are shared with an FCA regulated broker who specialises in this sector.
Beyond Leads Ltd T/A Landlord Quote (FCA FRN 940006) is an FCA authorised lead generation business. We do not provide insurance advice, recommend policies, arrange cover or quote premiums. This page is general information only. If your enquiry is matched, your details are shared with an FCA authorised specialist broker who will discuss cover and pricing with you directly.