FCA-Regulated Insurance Broker

HMO Insurance UK

Focus Insurance arranges specialist insurance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the UK. Whether your property is licensed or unlicensed, we work with specialist insurers to source appropriate cover for shared accommodation.

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Important: Focus Insurance Services is an insurance broker, not an insurer. We arrange cover on your behalf and provide advice tailored to your needs. Policy terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read all documentation carefully.

What Does HMO Insurance Cover?

HMO insurance is designed to reflect the specific risks of shared accommodation, including higher tenant turnover, greater footfall, and licensing obligations.

Buildings Cover

Protection for the full structure of the HMO property against fire, flood, storm, escape of water, and other insured perils.

Property Owners' Liability

Cover for your legal liability to tenants, visitors, and third parties for injury or property damage arising from the property.

Loss of Rent

Covers lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable following an insured event.

Malicious Damage by Tenants

Cover for deliberate damage caused by tenants — particularly important in shared accommodation with multiple occupants.

Landlord's Contents

Cover for furniture, white goods, and other landlord-owned items within the HMO.

Legal Expenses

Cover for legal costs arising from tenant disputes, eviction proceedings, and property damage recovery.

Why Choose Focus Insurance?

As an independent broker, we work for you – not the insurers. Our expertise ensures you get the right cover at the right price.

Specialist Insurers

Access to insurers with specific experience in HMO and multi-occupancy property risks.

Personal Service

Speak directly with experienced brokers who understand HMO licensing and tenancy obligations.

Renewal Support

We review your HMO cover at renewal and approach the market to seek competitive terms.

Claims Advocacy

We support you through the claims process during business hours, acting as your advocate.

Is This Cover Right for You?

This insurance is designed for property owners and investors who need comprehensive protection. It may be suitable if you:

You let a property to three or more tenants from different households
Your property has shared facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom
Your property requires a mandatory HMO licence
You have an Article 4 direction or additional licensing requirement in your area
You want to ensure your cover reflects the specific risks of shared accommodation
You own multiple HMOs and want a portfolio policy arrangement

What We'll Need for Your Quote

1
Full address and postcode of the HMO property
2
Number of bedrooms and current tenancy arrangement
3
HMO licensing status (licensed, exempt, or unlicensed)
4
Current sum insured or reinstatement valuation
5
Claims history for the past three to five years

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is HMO insurance?

HMO insurance is specialist property insurance for Houses in Multiple Occupation — properties let to three or more tenants from different households who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Standard landlord insurance policies are not designed for HMOs and may not provide adequate cover. HMO insurance takes into account the higher footfall, tenant mix, and specific risks associated with shared living arrangements. Cover is subject to underwriting and insurer acceptance.

Do I need specialist HMO insurance or will standard landlord insurance cover me?

Standard landlord insurance policies are generally designed for single-household tenancies. If your property is let as an HMO, your standard policy may not respond to a claim — particularly if the insurer was not informed of the property's use. It is important to disclose the HMO status to your insurer or broker when arranging cover. Speak to your broker about the appropriate cover for your specific property and tenancy arrangement.

Does HMO licensing affect my insurance?

Yes. If your property requires a mandatory HMO licence (typically properties with five or more tenants from two or more households), you must hold a valid licence. Insurers will ask about licensing status when assessing the risk. Operating an unlicensed HMO where a licence is required could affect your cover. Your broker can advise on the insurance implications of your specific licensing position.

What does HMO insurance typically cover?

HMO insurance typically includes buildings cover, property owners' liability, loss of rent following an insured event, and malicious damage by tenants. Additional covers — such as contents cover for landlord-owned furnishings, legal expenses, and rent guarantee — may be available as extensions. The exact cover available will depend on the insurer and the specific property. Cover is subject to underwriting, terms, and acceptance.

Can I insure multiple HMOs on one policy?

Yes, it is often possible to arrange a portfolio policy covering multiple HMO properties under a single arrangement. This can simplify administration at renewal and may offer more consistent cover terms across your portfolio. The suitability of a portfolio policy will depend on the number of properties, their locations, and the types of tenancy. Speak to your broker about the options available for your portfolio.

How do I arrange HMO insurance through Focus Insurance?

Call our team on 01733 263311, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or use the contact form on our website. We will discuss your property, tenancy arrangements, and licensing position to understand your requirements and seek suitable cover from our panel of specialist insurers. Cover is subject to underwriting and insurer acceptance.

Looking for a complete overview of this insurance type?

Property Owners Insurance — Full Range

HMO Licensing and Insurance

HMO licensing and insurance are closely linked. If your property requires a mandatory HMO licence — typically properties with five or more tenants from two or more households — you must hold a valid licence. Insurers will ask about licensing status when assessing the risk. Operating an unlicensed HMO where a licence is required could affect your cover and may also expose you to enforcement action by the local authority.

Important: Disclose the HMO status of your property to your insurer or broker when arranging cover. Failure to disclose material facts — including licensing status — could affect the validity of your policy.

Standard Landlord Insurance vs HMO Insurance

Standard landlord insurance is designed for single-household tenancies. The risk profile of an HMO is materially different — higher footfall, greater tenant turnover, and shared facilities all increase the risk of damage and liability claims. Most standard landlord policies are not designed for HMOs and may not respond to claims if the HMO status was not disclosed.

Information provided for general guidance only. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Terms and conditions apply. Focus Insurance Services is a trading name of Captios Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Registration No. 717691). Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 09620500.

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