Flood Response - Tenants Guide

Flood Response - Tenants Guide

Forethought Climate change, combined with other factors such as urbanisation, is increasing the likelihood and severity of flooding events in the UK. By the 2050s, an extra half a million homes are predicted to flood 1 placing over 200bn worth of assets at risk. Given the chances of flooding, it is increasingly important that landlords and their tenants are educated on flood risk and the dos and don ts of flood prevention and response. Types of flood risk It is not only properties near seas, lakes and rivers that are at risk of flooding. Heavy rainfall and insufficient drainage is the most common cause of flooding in the UK. Urbanisation and the paving of previously permeable ground is only exacerbating this issue. To protect against flood risk, it is important that tenants understand some of the most common causes of flooding: 1. Surface water flooding This is caused when rainwater falls at a faster rate than it can drain through existing drainage systems or soak into the ground. This type of flooding tends to be short lived. 2. Sewer flooding Most incidents of this type are caused as a result of overloaded sewers. This can occur after very heavy rainfall, although it can also be caused by blockages in the system. This can be unpleasant and should be reported to local water providers and dealt with as a matter of urgency. 3. River flooding Riverbank breaches most commonly occur when there is more water flowing from upstream than usual, generally as a result of heavy rainfall. Properties that lie in flood plains or immediately adjacent to watercourses are at particular risk of this type of flooding. 4. Coastal flooding Storm surges and associated rises in sea levels are the most common cause of coastal flooding. Sea defences can protect property from the worst of coastal flooding, however land subsistence and erosion should also be monitored 1. http://newsandviews.zurich.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/new-world-of-risk-embracing-the-unknown.pdf 2

Flood warnings Although the damage can be minimised or exacerbated as a result of human interference, floods are most commonly caused by severe weather events. It is important to monitor flood warnings 2 and know what they mean for you and your property. Flood alert: Flooding is possible tenants should monitor local water levels and be prepared to act if they live on flood plains. A warning will be given up to two days in advance. Flood warning: Flooding is expected tenants should consider turning off gas, electricity and water supplies, and put flood protection equipment in place. A warning will be given up to a day in advance of flooding. Severe flood warning: There is a danger to life tenants should stay in a safe location and be prepared for a possible evacuation. A warning will be given when there is a significant threat to life. Useful contact details in the event of serious flooding: Local water companies: www.water.org.uk/consumers/find-your-supplier Reporting flooded or blocked roads: www.gov.uk/report-road-flooding Reporting blocked drains: www.gov.uk/report-blocked-drain Environment Agency incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60 Reporting groundwater flooding to the local council: www.gov.uk/find-local-council 2. https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk 3

Tenant dos and don ts Floods have the potential to cause physical, financial and emotional devastation for landlords and tenants alike. Following these dos and don ts can help to minimise damage and speed recovery. Before and during the event: After the event: DO: Start sandbagging property early or fitting your flood resistant products such as flood barriers Turn off electricity following a flood warning Check for any obvious damage to foundations and walls and proceed with caution Inform your landlord of the danger at an early stage DON T: Wait until the last moment to move valuables to a safe and elevated location Attempt to wade through floodwater. Not only is it likely to be contaminated, 15cm can knock you off your feet and 60cm can be enough to float a car Use tap water if there is a chance the sewerage system has been damaged DO: Alert both your landlord and insurers as soon as possible after a flood Throw away contaminated food and clothing. Remember to take photos and videos if you re planning to make a contents insurance claim Remove standing water. Fire & rescue services can pump out standing water for a fee. Alternatively, it is possible to buy or rent pumps from some hardware stores. Make sure any generator is located in the open air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust Contact a qualified electrician or gas plumber to turn on your electricity. Gas leaks are common after a flood DON T: Return to the building until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so Make contact with electrical items and sources of electricity while standing in floodwater Use a household vacuum cleaner to remove water Touch floodwater without protective clothing. Floodwater will often be contaminated with chemicals, sewage or animal waste 4

Landlord responsibilities While it is important that tenants take responsibility during a flood event, landlords will also be responsible for many parts of the flood repair and maintenance process. It is important to check your tenancy agreement, as some will require tenants to perform tasks like clearing gutters, which could help with drainage problems. In general, your landlord will be responsible for the majority of repairs following a flood. This includes: The structure and exterior of your building. This includes the walls, roof, foundations, drains, guttering, windows, doors and external pipes Basins, sinks, baths, toilets and associated pipework Water and gas pipes, wiring, boilers, radiators, water tanks, fitted electric fires and other fitted heaters The landlord is also required to make the repairs within a reasonable period, while also giving the tenant an estimated timeframe for the repairs Frequently asked questions: Q. Will the landlord s insurance pay for damage to my property? A. Landlords are legally responsible for repairs to make buildings habitable again. Most good landlords will be covered by landlord insurance. Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 3, landlords are required to keep buildings in a good state of repair and ensure that utility supplies are in working order. Q. Does the landlord s insurance cover my belongings? A. Your landlord is not responsible for replacing your damaged belongings. If you don t have your own contents insurance, there may be local assistance funds that can help. Q. Where can I find flood maps? A. The best resources for assessing flood risk come from the Environment Agency for England, SEPA for Scotland, NRW for Wales and NIdirect for Northern Ireland, which can provide interactive flood maps 4 and predictions on long-term flood risk 5. Q. What happens if I have to evacuate my home? A. If repairs are likely to take longer than a few weeks (and depending on the clauses in the tenancy agreement), the landlord s insurers may rehouse the tenant, while the tenant continues to pay normal rent to the landlord. For very long repair jobs, the tenancy may end early. In this case, tenants will deemed as a priority need for housing by the council. Q. Who is responsible for rent? A. Again, this depends on the terms of the lease. However, the majority will contain a rent suspension or cessation clause. This will allow the tenant to stop paying rent while the premises is unfit for habitation. Q. Who will help me pump floodwater out of my home? A. Local fire & rescue services will normally pump out floodwater for a fee. Alternatively, it is possible to buy or rent pumps from various hardware and DIY stores. Contact us How we can help. For more information please contact us at: info@zurichmunicipal.com 0800 232 1901 3. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70 4. http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybycontroller?ep=maptopics&lang=_e 5. https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk 5

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