Flood Action Week: Essential Flooding Advice for UK Landlords and Tenants
- Clemy
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
As the UK faces increasingly unpredictable weather, Flood Action Week is a timely reminder that preparation is key. Flooding can strike with little warning — and whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, having a plan in place can make all the difference. Flood Action Week: Essential Flooding Advice for UK Landlords and Tenants
Extreme weather events are becoming the “new normal”. Even after long dry spells, millions of UK homes remain at risk from surface water, river, or groundwater flooding. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can protect your property, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
For Landlords: Protecting Your Property Investment (Essential Flooding Advice for UK Landlords and Tenants)
Flood damage can be costly — not just to repair but also in terms of rental voids, insurance issues, and tenant disruption. Here’s how landlords can prepare:
1. Know Your Flood Risk
Check whether your property is in a flood-prone area using:
Flood Risk Maps – GOV.UK
Local council or Environment Agency updates
If your property is at higher risk, consider:
Installing flood-resistant doors and airbrick covers
Raising electrical sockets and key appliances above potential water levels
Ensuring drainage and guttering are regularly maintained and clear of debris
2. Review Your Insurance
Confirm that your building insurance covers flood damage, including:
Structural repairs
Loss of rent during repairs
Temporary accommodation for tenants (if applicable)
If you live in a high-risk area, check if your insurer participates in Flood Re, a government-backed scheme designed to make flood insurance more affordable.
3. Plan Ahead with Your Tenants
Include flood procedures in your tenant welcome pack or emergency guide. Make sure tenants know:
How to switch off gas, electricity, and water
Where to find emergency contact numbers
What steps to take if flooding occurs
Clear communication prevents confusion and helps protect your property.
For Tenants: Staying Safe and Prepared
Flooding can be stressful, but taking small actions can help you stay safe and reduce damage.
1. Stay Informed
Sign up for free flood alerts: Flood Warnings Direct – Environment Agency
You’ll receive real-time alerts by phone, text, or email so you can act quickly.
2. Protect Your Belongings
Be insured. have insurance that provides alternate accommodation as your landlord's building insurance might not cover it.
Move valuables and electronics to higher shelves or upstairs areas
Keep important documents (like ID, passport, birth certificate etc) in waterproof pouches
Have a small emergency bag with essentials — medication, chargers, and a change of clothes
Put buckets and large bowls out to catch leaks to prevent property damage.
3. Know What to Do During a Flood
If floodwater is approaching:
Never walk or drive through floodwater
Switch off gas and electricity (if it’s safe)
Contact your the fire brigade, landlord or letting agent immediately
Report major issues (such as blocked drains or sewage overflow) to the local council and water company
Local Efforts: Improving Drainage
Across the UK, local authorities and contractors are investing in smarter drainage systems to combat flooding. In Nottinghamshire, for instance, Via East Midlands has recently introduced a CCTV drainage investigation van equipped with crawler cameras that can inspect underground culverts in real time.
This, combined with a £500,000 investment in new gully-cleaning tankers, ensures that the county’s 140,000 drains are cleaned on a regular cycle — helping prevent blockages and surface flooding during heavy rain.
These advancements are a reminder that while large-scale infrastructure is improving, individual preparation is still vital.
Final Thoughts: Be Flood Smart, Not Flooded Out
Flooding is unpredictable — but being unprepared doesn’t have to be. Whether you own or rent, take a few minutes this Flood Action Week to review your flood plan, check your insurance, and make small improvements that could save you thousands later.
Preparedness brings peace of mind — whatever the weather.
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