If you rent, you can't fit flood doors or raise the electrics. But you can still protect yourself and your belongings, and it pays to know who's responsible for what.
1. Check your flood risk
Use the government's long-term flood risk checker (England), Natural Resources Wales or SEPA (Scotland). Then sign up for free flood warnings. You can also check for live warnings on our flood warnings page.
2. Get contents insurance
Your landlord's buildings insurance covers the property itself, not your belongings. Contents insurance for renters is usually cheap; check the policy covers flood damage.
3. Protect your belongings
- Keep important documents, laptops and sentimental items upstairs or high up, ideally in waterproof boxes.
- Photograph your belongings now — it makes insurance claims much easier.
- Keep a grab bag ready in case you need to leave quickly.
4. Know your home
Find out where the electricity fuse box, gas tap and water stopcock are, and how to turn them off. Ask your landlord if you're not sure.
5. Ask your landlord
- Whether the property has flooded before.
- Whether they have any flood protection products, like airbrick covers or flood barriers, and where they're kept.
After a flood: who's responsible?
In general, your landlord is responsible for repairs to the structure of the building and to installations such as wiring, heating and plumbing. You're responsible for your own belongings. Report damage to your landlord in writing straight away and keep copies. If the home isn't safe to live in, ask your landlord and your local council for advice; Shelter and Citizens Advice can help with your rights.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Does my landlord's insurance cover my belongings in a flood?
No. Landlord buildings insurance covers the property. You need your own contents insurance for your belongings.
Who pays for flood repairs in a rented home?
Usually the landlord pays for repairs to the building structure and installations like wiring and plumbing. Tenants are responsible for their own belongings.
Can I put flood barriers on a rented home?
Temporary products like flood sacks and removable barriers usually need no permission. Ask your landlord before fixing anything permanent.