As landlords grapple with rising costs, experts are warning that tenants may be unknowingly invalidating their insurance.

Unknowingly invalidating insurance could lead to significant financial problems for landlords. If the worst were to happen, they could find themselves vulnerable and unable to make a claim.

Tenants may inadvertently jeopardise insurance coverage by failing to notify landlords about major modifications, damages, or leaving the property unoccupied.

Comparison website Quoteone, which conducted the research, is also warning that landlords who fail to act on reported damages could face a void claim.

 A Quotezone survey revealed 45% of tenants had experienced issues like mould or asbestos in a property, but as many as 16% of these cases went unresolved by the landlord.

Greg Wilson, chief executive of Quotezone, said: “There are steps landlords can take to help ensure they maintain their insurance policy, but many may not realise that their tenants also play a key role in keeping these policies valid.

 “We urge landlords to ensure their lease agreements are as clear as possible, particularly regarding issues like damages, modifications, and extended absences from the property. Transparency between landlord and tenant is one of the best ways to safeguard the insurance policy.

“It’s crucial to understand the risks and know exactly what could invalidate the insurance policy. Keeping providers informed about any changes to the property is essential to help ensure it’s covered if something goes wrong.

“If landlords need to make an insurance claim for an issue that was reported by a tenant, but they chose to ignore it, they’ll likely end up covering the cost themselves, as insurers could deny the claim.

“That’s why landlords need to act quickly, protect their property and ensure the conditions remain safe for tenants at all times.”