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Buildings insurance for leasehold properties

Challenging the cost of buildings insurance

You can challenge the cost you’re being asked to pay for buildings insurance through your service charge if you think it’s too high.

Start by asking your landlord for information about the buildings insurance.

Check that the level of cover is consistent with what your lease says.

You could then get evidence such as alternative quotes. Make sure that these are like-for-like quotes that have the same level of cover and excess, and the same claims history.

Set out your concerns and evidence to your landlord in writing. Ask them to explain why they have chosen the policy, and to consider whether they can reduce the cost.

If you cannot agree with your landlord about whether the cost is reasonable, and you think you have evidence that the cost is excessive, you can challenge the service charge at a tribunal.

Find out about how to challenge your service charge.

Last updated:
1 December 2025
Next review:
1 December 2027
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