Is it legal for a landlord to demand to be added to your contents insurance policy as an interested party?

Question

My landlord is telling me that she needs to be added to me & my wife's contents insurance policy as an "interested party". I have serious doubts over this as I don't know if this then allows her to make claims on my policy without my intervention. I especially find this to be a dubious request as the property is also being managed by a property management company.

This question is for UK people because I have been led to understand that our laws in these areas are very different to mainland European and American laws.

Thanks everyone. I've seen enough responses along the lines that I was suspecting to know that I definately need to raise this with my insurance company and the property management company. I will post back later with their definitive answers.

Thankyou.

Answer 1

No it is not, the only people on your contents insurance should be you and your wife, they are your belongings.
The landlord has no right over your posses ions, he is well out of order. I`ve rented alot and have never in my life heard of such a request or demand. I have also been a landlord in the past. Sounds to me like he`s trying to scam, speak to the property management company..
If the landlord has any furniture etc in the house then it is up to him to insure it not the tenant....

Answer 2

No, there is never a need to do that, unless you purchased your furniture from the landlord and he has a security interest in it.

If you rented the property furnished, he needs to provide his own insurance coverage for his property.

Although I'm a Yank, I lived in Europe and the UK for many years, and was a landlord in the UK for nearly 10 years. This is a totally off-the-wall request!

Answer 3

It is not necessary to do this. Landlords have individual insurance that covers them and the original set up of the house (ie. any furniture they rent to you inside the house). I would not under any circumstances put her on the insurance.

If you have anymore concerns speak to the property management company or the citizens advice bureau.

Answer 4

Your landlord should extend their buildings insurance to cover their contents in the home. Unless the terms of the lease state otherwise there is no legal compulsion that they be added to your policy - please note that this will have the effect of increasing the sums insured and thus the premium - so make sure that if you agree to this that your landlord pays a suitable proportion of the insurance premium.

Answer 5

I would imagine it is in her interest if the property is furnished or part furnished.

She would also need to be able to claim if there were a fire or flood,you wont have to give her the policy number, so she cant claim without you knowing.

If any of the above happened ,if she weren't on your policy who would pay for redecorating?

Answer 6

If she has no property whatsoever, I mean not even a cup etc in the property then no she shouldnt be on the policy - if it is strictly contents and not buildings & contents.

Answer 7

if she can claim insurance on your property, are you going to give her claims to your life insurance policy? id check your insurance dealer. your property like clothing is yours. the house insurance is paid by the landlord unless you have these condos where you pay.

Answer 8

If the property is furnished, or part-furnished, then yes. If you spill wine all over your rug and their sofa...

I don't know the full details of your situation, so have made assumptions.

Answer 9

Live in USA, but i'd say contact your insurance company and ask them.