Housing help if your home is flooded

Risk of flooding in your area

Check GOV.UK's live flooding service to see if there is a risk of flooding in your area.

If you have to leave your home

You must leave your home if the emergency services or the council ask you to.

Flooded houses can be dangerous because of:

• sewage

• water damaged electrics

• damage to the gas supply.

Your council usually has plans in place for emergency evacuation and help during a flood.

Find out more from GOV.UK about help after a flood.

If you are homeless after a flood

Your council must give you emergency accommodation if you're made homeless by flooding.

You will be in priority need for homelessness help from the council.

Contact your council as soon as you can to make a homelessness application.

You can find your local council here:

Repairs after a flood

Your landlord can repair your home so that it is fit for you to live in again.

Your landlord must make sure your home meets health and safety standards.

Get advice if your landlord won't help. Contact a Shelter adviser.

If you have to move out

You may have to move out of your home while repairs are done.

If you do have to leave, get your landlord's agreement in writing to confirm that:

• you had to move out due to flooding

• you'll be able to move back when repairs are finished

Ask for an estimate of how long repairs will take.

Paying rent on your home and temporary housing

Your landlord may have insurance cover that will cover their rental income while repairs are done as well as the costs of temporary housing.

If they don't have landlord insurance, you could ask them to:

• waive your rent until repairs are done and you can move back

• contribute to your housing costs if you have to stay somewhere else, for example a hotel

Find out when you can get the universal credit housing element if you have to move out because of essential repairs.

If you're in emergency housing after a homeless application, you will probably need to apply for housing benefit.

Damaged belongings

Your landlord isn't responsible for replacing or repairing any of your personal belongings that are flood damaged.

You might be able to get help from a local assistance fund.

Paying rent for a flooded home

Your landlord might expect you to keep paying rent for your flooded home.

You can ask your landlord for a rent reduction or refund.

If you can't live in your home, you can ask your landlord to suspend rent payments.

Check if your tenancy agreement says anything about paying rent if your home cannot be lived in for any length of time.

Get advice if your landlord won't agree to suspend or reduce your rent payments. Contact a Shelter adviser online, by phone or in person.

Right to be rehoused

Private tenants

Your landlord isn't usually responsible for finding you somewhere else if you have to move out due to a flood.

Your landlord may have an insurance policy that pays for alternative accommodation for tenants. Contact your landlord to ask.

Council or housing association tenants

If you rent from the council or a housing association, they should provide temporary accommodation if you have to move out.

Homeowner's insurance help

If you own your home, you are usually responsible for repairs due to flood damage.

Check if your insurance policies cover you for:

• the costs of repairs if your home is flooded

• the replacement of your belongings

• other accommodation if you can't return to your home

• legal cover and legal advice

Find out more from Money Helper about flood insurance.

If you own a leasehold flat or house, check if your freeholder's insurance covers any of the repair costs. Buildings insurance should cover flood risks.