Landlord guides
Landlord Insurance in New Zealand: What to Check
A practical checklist for comparing landlord insurance cover, exclusions, excesses and tenancy-related obligations.
By Impression Real Estate team · Reviewed by Rishabh Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer · Updated 2026-08-13
Direct answer: Standard home insurance may not cover every risk associated with a rental. Landlords should tell their insurer the property is tenanted and compare cover for loss of rent, tenant damage, liability, legal expenses and contamination.
Compare the policy, not just the premium
Check the events covered, exclusions, excesses, maximum claim periods and evidence required. Ask how vacancy, short-term letting or renovations affect cover.
Understand your obligations
Policies may require regular inspections, prompt maintenance, reference checks or records of the tenancy. A claim can be affected when these conditions are not met.
Keep useful records
Retain the tenancy agreement, entry inspection, dated photographs, maintenance invoices, rent ledger and communication about damage. Review cover at renewal and whenever the property or tenancy changes.
This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Read the policy wording and speak with a licensed adviser or insurer about your property.