AN estimated 11 per cent of homes in Bolton are rented, a survey has found.

But figures suggests fewer than one-in-five tenants has valid contents cover to protect their own belongings.

More than a third of landlords are also believed to be preventing tenants from getting the most reasonable deals on contents insurance by failing to fit adequate door and window security, smoke alarms and outdoor lighting.

Paul O'Gorman, group director at Manchester-based specialist Quoteline Direct, said: "Too many tenants, especially those living in furnished homes, make the mistake of thinking their belongings are covered by their landlord's buildings and contents insurance.

"This is almost never the case as the landlord will only have insurance to cover their own property - not the tenant's.

"Others don't realise they are not obligated to pay for one which includes buildings cover - they can just pay to insure their own belongings."