Don't get caught out
The things landlords wish they knew earlier.
The 7 Most Common Reasons Rent and Legal Protection Claims Are Declined
Industry data suggests that more than 1 in 10 claims are declined. In many cases, the issue is not the tenant — it is a compliance failure, late notification, or a mistake made months or even years before the claim is submitted.
Read more →
Fake NHS References
Fraudulent tenant references are increasingly common. Always verify references independently and keep copies on file — they may be requested during a claim.
Read more →
Cash for Keys Explained
Insurers during mediation may offer cash for keys and ensure it is legally binding. Without insurance, proceed with caution and only pay once vacant possession is obtained.
Read more →
Why Councils Tell Tenants to Stay
Local authorities may advise tenants to remain in situ during disputes. Understanding your legal position early helps you avoid costly delays.
Read more →
Airbnb Subletting – What You Can Do
If your property appears on a short-let platform without consent, act quickly. Check your AST clauses, gather evidence, and follow the correct notice procedure.
Read more →
Compliance Mistakes That Cost Landlords
The biggest failures of landlords and agents is not following the statutory legislation. Any one of these can delay or even worse invalidate your claim.
Read more →Most of these come down to one missing document. See where you stand →
Renters' Rights Act
The rules are changing — are you ready?
The Renters' Rights Act abolishes Section 21, introduces new notice requirements, and strengthens tenant protections. Landlords who are not compliant before serving notice face longer delays, higher legal costs, and claims that fail before they reach court.
- ✓Section 21 abolished — possession routes change
- ✓New Form 3A notice requirements
- ✓Stronger disrepair counterclaim protections for tenants
- ✓Compliance documentation more critical than ever
Common questions
When should I start a claim?+
Most policies require a minimum arrears period, typically around 14 days overdue, before a claim can be opened. Check your policy terms and make sure your rent log is up to date.
What documents do I need before claiming?+
At minimum: a valid assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST), a rent payment history showing the arrears, a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and Gas Safety Certificate, and evidence that the deposit was protected. TLA stores and validates these in your property record.
Can I claim if I haven't started possession action?+
No. Rent and Legal Protection requires that possession proceedings are underway. Mediation is attempted first, but we cannot accept a claim without possession action.
How does the Renters' Rights Act affect my claim?+
The Act introduces new notice requirements, abolishes Section 21 in due course, and strengthens tenant protections. Landlords who are not compliant before serving notice face longer delays and higher costs.
Don't Become One of the Statistics
Many landlords assume that if they have Rent and Legal Protection insurance, every claim will be paid. That is not always the case. Claims are declined more often than landlords expect, and usually for reasons that were fixable months earlier: a gas certificate that expired before notice was served, a deposit protected late, a name on the tenancy that doesn't match the notice.
You wouldn't crash your car and then try to buy insurance afterwards. Yet many landlords only start checking compliance, tenancy documents and insurance cover after a tenant stops paying rent. By then, it may already be too late.
Get the paperwork right while nothing has gone wrong.