Property Owners Insurance

HMO Insurance

Specialist insurance for Houses in Multiple Occupation. HMOs have unique risks that standard landlord policies don't cover. We arrange tailored protection for licensed and unlicensed HMOs across the UK.

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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 provides enhanced protection for the additional risks associated with multiple-occupancy properties. Coverage typically includes:

Buildings Insurance

Full rebuilding costs protection for the property structure, including any conversions or adaptations made for HMO use.

Enhanced Liability Cover

Higher property owners' liability limits (typically £5m+) to reflect increased exposure from multiple tenants and visitors.

Loss of Rent – Multiple Units

Cover for lost rental income across all letting units if the property becomes uninhabitable.

Communal Areas Cover

Protection for shared spaces, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms including fixtures and fittings.

Legal Expenses

Cover for legal costs including HMO licensing disputes, tenant evictions, and regulatory matters.

Employers' Liability

Required if you employ cleaners, maintenance staff, or property managers – typically £10m cover.

Contents Cover

Protection for landlord-owned furniture and appliances in individual rooms and communal areas.

Terrorism Cover

Optional cover for damage caused by acts of terrorism, which may be excluded from standard policies.

Engineering Inspection

Cover for statutory inspections of lifts, fire alarms, and other safety equipment.

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.

HMO Specialists

We understand HMO licensing requirements and the specific insurance needs of multi-let properties.

Compliance Support

Guidance on insurance requirements for HMO licensing applications and renewals.

Fast Turnaround

Quick quotes and policy documentation to support time-sensitive property purchases.

Portfolio Discounts

Market Access for landlords with multiple HMO properties.

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:

Own a licensed HMO (mandatory or additional licensing)
Let a property to 3 or more tenants forming 2+ households
Have converted a property into bedsits or studio flats
Own student accommodation let on individual tenancies
Need enhanced liability cover for multiple occupants
Require employers' liability for property staff

What We'll Need for Your Quote

1
Property address and HMO licence number (if applicable)
2
Number of letting units/bedrooms
3
Number of tenants and household composition
4
Property construction type and year built
5
Rebuild value and contents value
6
Fire safety measures in place
7
Whether you employ any staff
8
Claims history for the past 5 years

Get Your Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an HMO?

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property let to 3 or more tenants who form 2 or more separate households and share facilities like bathrooms or kitchens. Larger HMOs (5+ tenants, 3+ storeys) require mandatory licensing, but smaller HMOs may need additional licensing depending on your local authority.

Why can't I use standard landlord insurance for my HMO?

Standard landlord policies typically exclude HMOs or properties let to more than one household. HMOs have increased risks including higher footfall, shared facilities, and regulatory requirements. Specialist HMO insurance addresses these specific exposures.

Do I need employers' liability for my HMO?

If you employ anyone – including cleaners, gardeners, or maintenance staff – you're legally required to have employers' liability insurance of at least £5m (we typically arrange £10m). This applies even if staff work part-time or irregularly.

Will my HMO insurance cover licensing issues?

Legal expenses cover can help with costs related to HMO licensing disputes, appeals, and regulatory matters. However, fines for operating without a licence are not insurable. We recommend ensuring your licensing is in order before arranging cover.

Can I insure an unlicensed HMO?

We can arrange cover for HMOs that don't require licensing (smaller properties in areas without additional licensing schemes). If your property requires a licence, you should obtain this before seeking insurance, as operating without one is a criminal offence.

Ready to Discuss Your Insurance Needs?

Our experienced team is here to help. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your requirements.