The recent storms have brought some of the worst flooding Manchester has seen in years. Canals have broken their banks, roads have become rivers, and many homes and developments have had to be evacuated. The impact has been devastating for communities across the region, including some of our tenants and landlords.
We understand how distressing this situation is and want to assure you that we’re here to help. Whether you’re a tenant dealing with water damage or a landlord unsure how to proceed, this guide will provide practical advice to get through these difficult times together.
For Tenants: What to Do If Your Rental Property Is Flooded
1. Safety First
Your safety is the top priority. Avoid entering flooded areas, especially if there’s standing water, as it may be contaminated or hiding hazards like exposed electrical wires. If you believe the property is unsafe, leave immediately and inform your landlord or letting agent via our website.
2. Document the Damage
If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the damage. This documentation can be essential for insurance claims or landlord reporting. Focus on areas like floors, walls, furniture, and any belongings that were affected.
3. Contact Your Landlord or Letting Agent
As soon as possible, let your landlord or letting agent know what’s happened. Provide details about the damage and any immediate risks. At Property Genius, we’re prioritising flood-related issues and can guide you through the next steps.
4. Insurance and Personal Belongings
Check your contents insurance policy to see if your damaged personal items are covered. If you don’t have contents insurance, consider looking into assistance programs that may help with recovery costs.
For Landlords: Protecting Your Property and Supporting Tenants
1. Assessing the Damage
Work with your tenants to inspect the property safely. Avoid entering areas where the structure appears compromised or where water is in contact with electrical systems. Use photos and videos to document the damage thoroughly for insurance purposes.
2. Temporary Relocation Assistance
If your property is uninhabitable, it’s important to support your tenants. This could mean arranging temporary accommodation or helping them navigate their insurance policies. Many landlord insurance policies include coverage for alternative housing for tenants—check with your provider.
3. Repairs and Maintenance
Act quickly to address the damage and prevent further issues. Arrange reputable contractors to handle repairs, such as drying out the property, fixing leaks, and restoring affected areas. Make sure all work meets safety and compliance standards.
4. Preparing for Future Risks
Flooding is a growing concern in many parts of Manchester. Consider investing in flood-prevention measures, such as installing flood barriers, improving drainage systems, or waterproofing basements and lower levels of properties.
What We’re Doing to Support Our Clients
We’re actively working to support our tenants and landlords during this crisis. Here’s how we’re helping:
- Emergency Response: Our team is prioritising flood-related cases, conducting inspections, working with building managers and coordinating with contractors to expedite repairs.
- Relocation Assistance: For tenants whose homes are uninhabitable, we’re coordinating temporary accommodations while properties are restored.
- Guidance on Claims: We’re advising both tenants and landlords on navigating insurance claims and documenting damage effectively.
If you’re affected, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Flood Preparedness Tips for the Future
While the focus is on recovery, it’s also important to consider how to prepare for future weather events. Here are some steps tenants and landlords can take:
- Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like flashlights, power banks, first-aid supplies, and waterproof bags for important documents.
- Sign Up for Flood Alerts: Stay informed by signing up for flood warnings from the Environment Agency.
- Check Drains and Gutters: Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of water backing up during heavy rain.
- Invest in Flood Protection: For landlords, consider flood-proofing measures like barriers or sump pumps to minimise future damage.
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