Flooding and Water Damage

The winter months are fast approaching and, in the UK, that tends to mean increased rainfall, autumn storms and very often flash flooding. We’ve already seen the damage that flood water can do this summer, and it could well be that we have more to come over the next few months. Water damage can be devastating to a landlord, so below are a few tips on minimising the risks.

Flood Areas and Flood Warnings

It’s vital to talk to your tenants about flooding in you’re in a common flooding area and ensure they are properly prepared. They need to heed any flood warnings that come in and they need to be able to move their possessions quickly and efficiently if needs be. It’s worth remembering that your landlord insurance covers only your property: any damaged possessions of the tenants will need to be reclaimed personally.

Proper Preparation

Keeping sandbags and reasonable amounts of emergency supplies in the property might sound drastic, but they are a very good idea if your property is in a flood area. It’s good to task your tenants with the responsibility, so make sure they know how and where to find supplies. In a sense, you are trusting them with looking after your property, so you need to be sure they are going to put up appropriate defences if needs be.

Other Water Damage

Of course, floods don’t just come by natural causes: plenty of water damage happens to properties if people don’t turn off taps or leave washing machines to overflow. There’s no way you can be sure that this won’t happen to you, but ensure your tenants keep drains unblocked can be a good start. Unfortunately, you’ll need to respond to calls on water damage as quickly as you can so be prepared to drop everything.

Flooding is an uncommon event, but when it happens it can be immensely damaging. You don’t need to worry your tenants unduly about the risks, but it is worth ensuring they’re prepared. It could save both you and them a lot of money in the long run.