Work with Tenants on Shared Flood Risk

Flooding is no longer a rare event in Wales. With 1 in 7 homes and businesses at risk and climate change driving more frequent and severe weather events, landlords should take proactive steps to protect their properties - and their tenants.

Flood Risk is a Shared Responsibility

While landlords are legally responsible for repairing structural damage caused by flooding, tenants also have a role to play in reporting issues early and maintaining the property responsibly. But beyond legal obligations, collaboration between landlords and tenants is key to building resilience.

Flooding can devastate homes, disrupt lives, and leave lasting impacts on mental health. Tenants who are informed and prepared are better able to protect their belongings, respond quickly in emergencies, and recover more effectively. Landlords who engage openly with tenants about flood risk can reduce damage, avoid disputes, and foster trust.

Transparency Matters

Organisations like TPAS Cymru have called for greater transparency from landlords about the flood history of rental properties. Tenants deserve to know if a home has previously flooded so they can make informed decisions and take steps like securing contents insurance.

Flooding Costs More Than Repairs

Flood damage can lead to:

• Thousands in repair bills for structural damage, ruined interiors, and lost rental income
• Legal disputes if tenants feel they weren’t properly informed or supported
• Higher insurance premiums or even refusal of coverage if properties are repeatedly affected
• Loss of tenants who feel unsafe or unsupported

But here’s the good news: landlords who work with tenants to prepare for flooding can reduce damage, avoid disputes, and protect their investments.

Tenants Are Your First Line of Defence

Engaged tenants can:

• Spot early signs of water ingress or drainage issues
• Follow emergency plans and protect contents
• Report problems quickly before they escalate

By sharing flood risk information and involving tenants in resilience planning, landlords can build trust and reduce the likelihood of costly surprises.

Free CPD Training That Pays Off

To help landlords take action, Rent Smart Wales has partnered with Natural Resources Wales to offer a free Flood Management CPD course. This online training:

• Explains how to assess flood risk for rental properties.
• Offers practical steps to prepare and respond.
• Clarifies landlord and tenant responsibilities.
• Awards 10 CPD points toward licence renewal.

“We hope this course will support more landlords, agents, and ultimately tenants across Wales to understand flood risk and take steps to prepare,” explained Kelly McLauchlan at Natural Resources Wales.

Act Now - Protect Your Property, Licence, and Reputation

Flooding isn’t just a tenant issue - it’s a business risk. By acting now, landlords can:

• Avoid costly damage
• Stay compliant with Welsh law
• Improve tenant satisfaction and retention
• Strengthen their Rent Smart Wales licence renewal profile

Don’t wait for the next storm. Take the free Flood Management CPD course today at Rent Smart Wales.