Flooded rental? Your rights as a tenant

My rental has been damaged in the flood – what do I do?

Get in touch with your landlord. They are responsible for maintaining the property, which includes any damage caused by a natural disaster.

The landlord is responsible for drying the property and paying tenants for any electricity it uses to do so.

Your landlord isn’t responsible for damage to your belongings caused by the flood. If you have contents insurance, contact your insurer.

My rental has been partially destroyed – do I have to keep paying rent?

If your rental has been partially destroyed, the rent should be reduced. Alternatively, you – or the landlord – can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to end the tenancy.

The tribunal will decide whether it’s unreasonable to require the landlord to reinstate the home (fix the property), or whether the tenant should continue to live at the property at a reduced rent.

My rental has been destroyed – do I have to keep paying rent?

If your rental is destroyed or seriously damaged, you can give notice to end your tenancy and stop paying rent at the end of the notice period.

The tenant must give two days’ notice, while the landlord needs to give seven days’ notice. This applies to periodic and fixed-term tenancies.

Temporary emergency housing after a natural disaster

For immediate accommodation during a state of emergency or natural disaster, contact your local Civil Defence team.

You can also register with the Temporary Accommodation Service for ongoing temporary accommodation after a natural disaster.

There is likely to be a cost for temporary accommodation, but financial assistance may be available via government agencies.

For tenancy disputes, get in touch with Tenancy Services.