I read something in a landlording book about a type of insurance a landlord can get that covers the rent loss if something happens to an area that the landlord is renting out for several months up to a year I think it was. I can get that book again and find it.
Anyway, if it comes down to it then op could potentially offer to pay for that insurance so there is very little risk for the landlord.
How much would that insurance be? Do you have any idea?