Most renewal problems aren’t “bad insurance” — they’re missing updates
Landlords often get frustrated at renewal because something changes and it wasn’t reflected in the policy:
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the premium increases unexpectedly
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the insurer asks new questions late in the process
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a key cover is restricted because the risk looks different than last year
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a claim is later questioned because the schedule didn’t match reality
In most cases, the root cause is simple:
The property or the letting pattern changed — but the insurance paperwork didn’t.
This post is a short checklist of the six updates that matter most, and why they protect you.
1) Changes to how the property is used
This is one of the most important.
Examples include:
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moving from a standard let to short-term / holiday style use
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changes in occupancy arrangements (more sharers, more rooms let separately)
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adding furnished elements or changing how the property is marketed
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any mixed use or business-related use connected to the premises
Why it matters:
Quotes, cover and claims all depend on the insurer understanding what they’re insuring.
2) Regular voids or unoccupied periods
Even well-run rentals have voids. But if your pattern has changed — more frequent voids, longer gaps, refurb periods — this can affect terms and conditions.
Why it matters:
Many policies treat unoccupied properties differently, and misunderstandings here create claim friction.
3) Refurbishments, extensions, and improvement works
If you’ve done (or plan to do) works, tell your broker:
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what you’re doing
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when it’s happening
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whether the property will be unoccupied
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whether contractors will be on site
Why it matters:
Works can change risk and can sometimes require different arrangements or disclosures.
4) Material changes to security and protection
This isn’t just “do you have locks?”
Tell your broker about meaningful changes such as:
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alarm installation or removal
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changes to doors/windows (especially after upgrades)
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changes to access arrangements (e.g., key safes, shared entry systems)
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any repeated issues (e.g., break-ins, attempted entry)
Why it matters:
Security details can affect terms and expectations.
5) Ownership / policyholder changes
This is a big one and often overlooked.
Examples:
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property moved into a company/SPV
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change of ownership between individuals
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joint ownership changes
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changes in who receives rental income or who is responsible for the property
Why it matters:
If the policyholder details don’t match ownership reality, it can create avoidable complications.
6) Your rental figure (and your loss of rent expectation)
If rent has increased, your loss of rent cover may be out of date.
Why it matters:
Many landlords only realise their cover limit was outdated after an incident causes a long reinstatement period.
A quick note on rebuild values
Rebuild values aren’t something a broker can create on your behalf.
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Landlords (or their agent) must provide correct rebuild values / sums insured basis
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Neither NetRent nor Clear can calculate rebuild costs for you
If you need to check a rebuild figure, you can use the ABI/BCIS calculator or employ a professional assessment (NetRent offers access to a Rebuild Cost Assessment service). We can explain options, but the rebuild value must come from you or a professional you appoint.
How NetRent & Clear can help
If you’re an existing customer, this checklist is designed to reassure you: you’re dealing with a team that focuses on the details that prevent renewal surprises.
If you’re not currently with NetRent, this is also how we help landlords switch safely — by ensuring your policy documentation reflects reality before quotations are arranged.
Claims support clarification:
Clear’s in-house claims support applies only to policies arranged through Clear.
Offer B: Renewal Readiness Review
If you want renewal to feel calm and controlled — rather than last-minute and stressful:
Request a Renewal Readiness Review
We’ll review your current schedule and ask the questions that matter most, based on how you actually let your property.
This is a practical review designed to prevent surprises.
Regulatory note
NetRent Insurance Services is a trading name of NetRent Ltd. NetRent Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Clear Insurance Management Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
This article is general information only and does not constitute advice.
Contact us
Telephone: 01352 721300
Email: insurance@netrent.co.uk
Want a Renewal Readiness Review?
Call or email us with your renewal date and we’ll tell you what to send.