Addept Insurance Services has launched legal cover protecting landlords against property title fraud and illegal sub-letting by tenants.

The product, Rental Fraud Defence, provides cover for the legal costs associated with the illegal transfer of a property ownership or a tenant renting out a home without the landlord’s consent.

The insurance offers to pay costs such as reinstating a property’s title, dealing with organisations advertising the property for let or sale or who are providing credit, goods or services.

It also pays costs for regaining possession of the home, for dealing with County Court Judgements and for liasing with credit agencies.

Addept Insurance managing director Richard Finan said: “The private rented sector is particularly vulnerable to the risk of title fraud, particularly where properties are buy-to-let, empty, mortgage free or are of high value.

“Illegal sub-letting is also a growing issue for the UK residential property sector where tenants can profit significantly from unauthorised sub-letting.

“Standard landlord buildings policies and traditional landlords’ legal expenses insurance do not provide protection for these kinds of risks.

“Rental Fraud Defence is designed to directly address the gap in protection for the financial and legal liabilities landlord face.”

Rental Fraud Defence is available as an add-on or can be added to a landlord’s buildings insurance policy.