Flooding and burst pipes are a huge concern for flat insurance owners, especially during the winter
months. Upon inspection a property may seem protected, but flooding is not just about water
entering your flat and causing damage to valuable possessions. There may be several issues that the
building itself could be susceptible to. This can have a huge consequence for all tenants and the
owner. Impact on flats can include:
- Water damage to properties on ground floor
- Water damage to sheds and garages
- The need to relocate to temporary housing
- Blocked entry and exit areas
- Utility services disruption, including electricity, telephone, and water
- Failures to lifts
- Blocked up sewerage and drainage systems
- A higher insurance premium
You may be wondering who is responsible for protecting the flats from flooding. Well, there is no
sole accountability. The Environmental Agency and local authorities obviously have a role to play,
but there is also emphasis on the owner of the block of flats insurance. Tenants also play a role in
protected the property.
Flat owners should be obtaining a flood risk screening document. This will enable them to provide an
assessment looking at the 4 major sources of flooding. These are coastal, surface water, river, and
ground water. This is very little in terms of cost when compared to the potential damage that can be
caused by flooding. The report will help in implementing the correct protection measures. This can
include ensuring the correct insurance is in place. It will also allow for changes to be made such as
installing door barriers, raising electrical wiring, or fitting airbrick covers etc. If you are thinking of
buying building insurance for a block of flats, a flood-screening report should be completed before
purchasing.