What to do first
If your home is flooded, take these steps as soon as possible:
- If you rent your home, contact your landlord to report the flood. They may arrange repairs or provide alternative accommodation
- Contact your insurer if you have contents insurance. They may cover damaged items or temporary accommodation
- Check what support Somerset Council offers. Ask for advice on council tax relief, cleaning and preventing further damage
- Contact your utility suppliers. They may need to check your gas, electricity and water supply for safety
- Keep a record of the flood. Include photos, receipts and correspondence with your landlord, insurer or the council. This may support any claims or complaints
Tenants in private rented property
Your landlord is responsible for repairs if flooding from rain affects your rented home. This includes:
- Fixing damage to the structure of your home
- Making sure your water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating are working
Tell your landlord as soon as possible if your home has flooded and needs repairs. They must complete repairs within a reasonable time.
Tell your landlord if the damage is so severe that you need to move out. They do not have to provide alternative accommodation, but they may need to help with costs, such as a hotel.
If you need to move out:
- Tell your landlord why you are leaving
- Ask your landlord to confirm you can return on the same terms once repairs are complete
- Agree how long the repairs are expected to take
Tenants of a Somerset Council or housing association property
Contact your landlord immediately if your home is at risk of flooding or has flooded.
If you cannot stay in your home due to flood damage, your council or housing association may provide temporary accommodation.
Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
If your home is flooded, you have the right to:
- Live in a safe home that is in good repair
- Ask your landlord to carry out repairs or improvements to reduce the risk of flooding
- Claim compensation if your landlord caused the flood or failed to fix the problem
- End your tenancy early if the flood makes your home uninhabitable or unsuitable
You also have the responsibility to:
- Pay your rent, unless you agree otherwise with your landlord
- Take reasonable steps to protect your home and belongings from further damage
- Work with your landlord, insurer and Somerset Council to deal with the flood and its aftermath
Your landlord's rights and responsibilities
If your home is flooded, your landlord has the right to:
- Access your home to inspect damage and carry out repairs, with reasonable notice
- End your tenancy if the property is uninhabitable or beyond repair
- Claim compensation if you caused the flood or did not report it
They also have the responsibility to:
- Repair damage to the structure and exterior, such as walls, roof, windows and doors
- Repair plumbing, heating, gas, electricity and water supply systems
- Repair fixtures and fittings they provided, such as carpets, curtains and appliances
Private landlords do not usually have to find you alternative accommodation if you need to move out due to flooding. However, they may have insurance that covers this. Contact your landlord to check.
If you rent from the council or a housing association, they should provide temporary accommodation if you have to move out.
Temporary and permanent accommodation
If your home is flooded and you cannot stay there, you may need to find temporary or permanent accommodation elsewhere. You may be able to get help from your landlord, your insurance company or Somerset Council, depending on your situation.
Your landlord may be able to provide you with alternative accommodation while your home is being repaired. This should be similar to your original home in terms of size, location and affordability. You should not have to pay extra rent or bills for the alternative accommodation. You should also be able to return to your original home once it is fixed, unless your tenancy has ended.
Your insurance company may be able to pay for temporary accommodation while your home is being repaired. This may be a hotel, a bed and breakfast, or a rented property. You should check your policy and contact your insurance company to find out what they can offer and for how long. You should also keep a record of your expenses and receipts for the temporary accommodation.
You may be able to stay with friends and family while your home is being repaired.
Where the above options have been exhausted, Somerset Council may be able to help you find temporary or permanent accommodation if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness because of the flood. They will assess your situation and decide what duty they have to help you. They may provide you with emergency accommodation, such as a hostel, a bed and breakfast, or a council property. They may also help you find a longer-term solution, such as a private rented property, a social rented property, or a housing association property. You may have to pay rent or a contribution for the accommodation they provide.
Landlord insurance help
If you have contents insurance, you may be able to claim for damaged items. Contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow their instructions. You may need evidence, such as photos, receipts or a report from your landlord. Keep a record of all communication and any payments you receive.
If you do not have contents insurance, you may still be able to claim compensation from your landlord. This applies if they caused the flood or failed to fix the problem. You must show that the landlord was negligent or broke their agreement, and that you suffered loss or inconvenience. Write to your landlord explaining what happened, what you want them to do, and how much compensation you are seeking. Keep a record of all communication and any payments.
If you are not satisfied with your landlord’s response, you may be able to take legal action. Seek legal advice before you proceed, as this can be costly and time‑consuming. You may be able to get free or low-cost support from a local advice service, such as Citizens Advice or Shelter.
Homeowners insurance help
If you own your home and need to move out due to flooding, you must arrange temporary accommodation. This could be a hotel or staying with friends or family. You are also responsible for repairing flood damage to your property.
Contact your insurer immediately if your home is at risk of flooding or has been flooded. You are usually responsible for repair costs, unless your policy covers them.
Check whether your insurance covers:
- The cost of repairing flood damage
- The replacement of damaged belongings
- Temporary accommodation if you cannot return home
- Legal cover or advice
Find out more on the Money Helper about flood insurance website.
If you own a leasehold property, check whether the freeholder’s insurance covers repair costs. Buildings insurance should include flood risks.
What to do if you are homeless after your home is flooded
The Housing Options team can help if your home is flooded and you are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
They can:
- Give advice on dealing with the flood and its impact
- Visit your property with your landlord and agree timescales for repairs
- Refer you to local services for help with compensation or benefits
- Help you find temporary or permanent accommodation
You may need to complete a homelessness application. This helps the council decide if you need temporary accommodation, such as a hotel or bed and breakfast. The council will then support you to find longer-term housing.
Visit our Homeless and prevention section for more information.