Buy-to-let investors in the student sector have been urged by Insurer Leaseguard to ensure that their insurance covers vacant buildings as the summer holidays draw closer.

Landlords taking the chance to refurbish or redevelop their properties while they are vacant must make sure they are covered for potential accidents.

Maryanne McGee, insurance manager at Leaseguard, said: “Check your policy wording as the period of unoccupancy can vary from 30 or more days to in excess of 90 days before notification to the insurer is required.

“Some insurers impose terms, reduce the cover on the policy, or increase the premium for the period of unoccupancy and some do all three.”

According to The Daily Telegraph, around 40% of students in higher education now live in private landlord accommodation.