Protect what matters most

Are you a council tenant? We are encouraging all our tenants to make sure they have home contents insurance in place to protect their personal belongings.

Unaware

Many people are unaware that while the council insures the building itself and fixtures and fittings, tenants are responsible for insuring the contents of their home. This includes items such as furniture, clothing, electrical goods, carpets and other personal possessions.

Unforseen situations

Unexpected events such as fire, flooding, burst pipes or vandalism can cause significant damage to household belongings. Without contents insurance, tenants would need to cover the cost of replacing these items themselves.

Tenant's responsibility

Protecting personal belongings is the tenant's responsibility, making contents insurance an important safeguard and a source of peace of mind.

Insurance options

Tenants can choose to arrange home contents insurance through any provider or sign up to the affordable Tenant Contents Insurance Scheme, which Midlothian Council offers in partnership with Aviva. When tenants sign up for a council property, they are informed about the this scheme and also advised they can source insurance elsewhere.

Tenant Contents Insurance Scheme

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme can contact the Housing Team on 0131 271 3394 or email Housing.Enquiries@midlothian.gov.uk

Affordable

Councillor Stuart McKenzie Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

"It often comes as a surprise to tenants that the council's insurance covers the building but not the possessions inside. Our Tenant Contents Insurance Scheme offers an affordable way to protect the things that matter most. I would encourage all tenants who don’t have insurance to contact the housing team to find out more and make sure they have the right cover in place."

Need advice?

The council is committed to helping tenants protect their homes so contact the Housing Team today if you need advice or see the Tenant’s Handbook.