If you're signing a lease for a shop, office or warehouse, it's common for landlords to ask for proof of public liability insurance before handing over the keys. This isn't unusual, and it isn't optional if your landlord requires it as a lease condition.
Why landlords ask for this
If a customer, delivery person or visitor is injured on your rented premises, or their property is damaged because of your business activities, a claim could be made against you — and in some cases, against the landlord too, if they're seen as connected to the premises. Requiring proof of cover is how landlords protect themselves from being pulled into a claim that was really about your business operations.
What "proof" usually means
Typically, this is a copy of your policy schedule or a certificate of insurance showing the policy is active, the coverage amount, and the period of cover. Some landlords also ask to be named as an "interested party" on the policy, so they're notified if it lapses.
What happens if you don't have it
Beyond the practical issue of potentially not being able to sign the lease, operating without this cover leaves you personally exposed if an incident happens — the landlord's requirement is really just surfacing a risk that exists either way.
Work with Cover Buddies Today!
We help you compare public liability options and get the documentation landlords typically ask for, so this doesn't hold up your lease signing.
See our public liability insurance page for what's covered, or get a quote to have proof ready when you need it.
