What to insure when you rent out a home in the UAE

If you rent out a home in the UAE, the right insurance protects your property and your income. This guide explains what is covered, what is not, and how to choose a policy that fits. You can also speak with UniTrust Insurance Brokers for simple advice and a quick quote.

Home contents cover is still rare in the UAE. Only about 10% of residents are insured, while 63 to 69% say they are not covered. That means many households end up paying out of pocket after leaks, fires, or theft. If your building or owners association policy only covers the structure, your unit interiors and belongings can still be exposed. (source:arabianbusiness)

Quick summary

• Apartment buildings are usually insured for the main structure and shared areas. Inside your unit you still need cover for interiors and any items you provide.
  
• Villa owners need building cover and can add contents and liability.
  
• Tenants should insure their own belongings and add liability.
  
• Consider loss of rent if an insured event makes the home unliveable.
  
• A local broker like UniTrust Insurance Brokers can help you pick the right plan and support you at claim time.
  

Why Insurance for Rentals Matters

Many people assume their building or owners’ association policy covers everything. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Most tower or villa master policies only protect the main structure and shared spaces. Interiors, furniture, and the rental income you rely on often remain exposed.

Did you know? Home contents cover is still rare in the UAE. Only about 10% of residents have insurance, while nearly two-thirds admit they are not covered (Source: Arabian Business). That leaves many households paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens.

In 2023, UAE civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires, and homes accounted for over 1,600 of those incidents (Source: The National).

Insurance helps turn these risks into manageable costs by protecting your assets and keeping your income steady.

Apartments and villas at a glance

Apartments
Most towers carry a master policy for the building and shared areas like lifts and lobbies. That policy rarely protects the interiors of your unit. Fitted kitchens, wardrobes, flooring and any furniture you provide are your responsibility to insure.

Villas and townhouses
Owners arrange building cover for the structure. You can also add contents cover for items kept inside the home.

Tenancy tip
Registering the lease is important. It does not replace insurance for the owner or the tenant. If you are unsure what the tower policy includes, ask building management or contact UniTrust Insurance Brokers to review it with you.

Cover landlords should consider

Building or interiors
Villa owners insure the building. Apartment owners often insure the interiors of the unit because the tower policy focuses on the main structure and shared spaces.

Landlord contents
If you rent the home furnished or semi furnished, insure furniture and appliances against fire, water damage and theft.

Landlord liability
If a visitor is injured and you are held responsible, liability cover helps with legal and medical costs up to the limits in the policy.

Loss of rent after insured damage
If a covered event makes the home unliveable, this can replace lost rental income during repairs up to the policy limit.

Helpful extras
Ask about accidental damage to fixtures, keys and locks, and any extra that fits how you rent the property.

What to keep on file
Proof of ownership or lease, a short inventory if furnished, and photos of key areas. Keep digital copies in one folder so claims are easier later. UniTrust Insurance Brokers can share a simple checklist so you do not miss anything.

If you are a tenant

Contents
This protects what you own inside the rental. Furniture, electronics, clothing and more. Choose a limit that matches the real cost to replace your items today.

Tenant liability
If you accidentally damage the landlord’s fixtures or a guest is injured inside the home, liability cover helps with the costs.

Alternative accommodation
If an insured event makes the place unliveable, this can pay for a hotel or short stay while repairs take place, within the limits of the policy.

Good habits
Keep a simple list of your valuables and save receipts where possible. Report issues to the owner or building management quickly to prevent further damage. If you need help picking a plan, UniTrust Insurance Brokers can explain options in plain words and show you prices side by side.

Picking a policy in the UAE

• Look closely at what is covered and what is not.
  
• Check limits and the amount you pay first when you make a claim.
  
• Add only the extras you will truly use based on how you rent the home.
  
• Ask about claims support and response times.
  
• Read a few customer reviews for service quality.
  
• Compare prices after you are sure the cover is suitable.
  

A local team like UniTrust Insurance Brokers can translate the small print, suggest the right limits and help with claims. This saves time and reduces the chance of gaps in cover.

Simple ways to lower risk

• Make an inventory if you provide furniture or appliances.
  
• Service air conditioning and plumbing on a regular schedule.
  
• Install smoke alarms and simple leak sensors where helpful.
  
• Set clear reporting steps in the tenancy agreement so problems are flagged early.
  
• Ask UniTrust Insurance Brokers for a short landlord checklist you can attach to your lease pack.
  

If you need to make a claim

1. Put safety first and try to prevent more damage.
   
2. Take photos or video and gather any receipts or repair quotes.
   
3. Notify building management if you are in a tower.
   
4. Contact your broker or insurer and follow the steps they share.
   
5. Keep copies of everything you submit until the claim is settled.
   

A good broker will guide you through documents, timelines and follow ups. UniTrust Insurance Brokers can speak with the insurer and keep you updated.

Keep your cover up to date

Review your cover each year or when something changes. Examples include a renovation, new built in fittings, moving from unfurnished to furnished, or a change in rental income or rebuild costs. Small updates now help avoid shortfalls later. Your advisor at UniTrust Insurance Brokers can do a quick annual review for you.