HMO warranty questions answered
Short, straight answers about HMO warranties - whether you need one, what it covers, what lenders ask for, timing, cost and claims. Each one links to more detail.
- Instant response
- Insurer quotes usually within one working day of your proposal
- UK FCA Regulated Broker
- Structural and non-structural cover
- We fill in the proposal form with you
Do I need one?
Need
Do I need a warranty for an HMO?
There is usually no law that says you must have one. You will usually need one if a lender, a buyer's lender or an investor asks for it. See do I need an HMO warranty.
Does a warranty replace building control or an HMO licence?
No. Building control sign-off, your HMO licence and any planning consent are separate legal matters. A warranty is insurance and sits alongside them.
Is a warranty the same as landlord insurance?
No. Landlord buildings insurance covers events such as fire, flood and escape of water. A warranty covers defects in the way the work was designed and built. Many HMOs need both.
What is covered
Cover
What does an HMO structural warranty cover?
Typically the cost of putting right damage caused by defects in the structure - foundations, load bearing walls, floors and roof structure - and on many policies the waterproof envelope. See HMO structural warranty.
How long does an HMO warranty last?
A structural warranty usually runs for 10 years from completion, and some providers offer 12. Non-structural cover runs for a period set by the provider.
Can the ensuites and kitchens be covered?
Yes, from some providers, through non-structural cover - on its own or alongside a structural warranty. See non-structural HMO cover.
Is the existing house covered as well as the new work?
Usually to some extent, depending on the provider and its assessment of the old structure. Some parts may be excluded or need work first. See house to HMO conversions.
Is an HMO covered as one property or room by room?
An HMO kept and let as one property is usually covered as one property, with one certificate for the building.
Does the warranty pass to a buyer if I sell?
Usually, yes. The cover stays with the property for whatever remains of the policy period. The policy wording sets out who is covered.
Lenders
Lenders and refinancing
Why is my lender asking for a warranty on my HMO?
Usually because the property has been converted or significantly altered recently. Lenders set their own rules on what they need and which providers they accept. See finished HMOs and refinancing.
Will a lender accept an architect's certificate instead?
Some will, usually only where the consultant monitored the work from the start. Many will not accept a certificate written afterwards. Each lender decides.
Will my lender accept the warranty you arrange?
Each lender sets its own rules on which providers it accepts and makes the final decision. Tell us who your lender is and we check whether a provider is likely to be acceptable before you commit.
Timing
Timing
When should I arrange an HMO warranty?
Before work starts on site. More providers will consider it, the provider inspects as the work goes in, and it is usually cheaper. See how it works.
I have already started - is it too late?
Not always. Some providers will consider work under way or finished, with evidence of what was done and possibly opening up. It is harder to place and costs more, but we always do our best.
How quickly can you get me a quote?
You get an instant reply, a call usually the same working day, and insurer quotes usually within one working day of a completed proposal.
Cost
Cost
How much does an HMO warranty cost?
As a rough guide, around 1.25% of the rebuild cost for a structural warranty registered before work starts (plus a modest broker fee, only charged if we arrange your cover). Non-structural cover is priced case by case. See HMO warranty costs.
Is there a broker fee?
Yes. Our modest broker fee is only charged on success - if we do not arrange your cover, you pay us nothing.
Can I get a discount for several HMOs?
Each HMO will usually need its own policy unless they are all the same type of building in the same area. Some providers may consider a group discount for volume - ask us.
Claims and us
Claims, and who we are
What happens if I need to claim?
You contact the warranty provider or insurer named on your certificate. In the defects period, often the first two years, the builder is usually asked to put things right first. The policy wording sets out the process, the excess and what is excluded.
Are you an insurer?
No. We are an insurance broker, arranging cover on a non-advised basis. The warranty is provided by the warranty provider or insurer named in your quotation.
Do you cover Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Yes. We arrange cover for HMOs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who is behind HMO Warranties?
HMO Warranties is a trading style of Latent Defects, a trading name of Finance Delta Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference number 912378. See about us.
Last reviewed 30 October 2026 by the HMO Warranties team. General information only - not advice. Your cover is set by the policy wording.
WARRANTYWIZARD
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WARRANTYWIZARD is AI powered and answers straight away, day or night. Like any AI it can occasionally make mistakes, and it gives general information about HMO warranties, not advice or a price - so check anything important with our team, and for a quote use the project form or call us.
Warranty with WhatsApp
Rather sort it all on WhatsApp?
You can handle the whole process on WhatsApp - questions, photos and drawings, your proposal, your quotes and arranging your cover.
A person on our team replies in UK working hours. Message us any time and we will pick it up as soon as we are back.
Ready for a quote?
Tell us about the HMO in under a minute and we will come back with the providers likely to cover it.
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- Insurer quotes usually within one working day of your completed proposal
- HMOs anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
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Already filled in a proposal form? Email it to us or send it on WhatsApp with any drawings you have and we will take it from there.