A timely checklist for property owners reviewing maintenance, flood planning and the details of their insurance.
October is a useful point to review property maintenance and emergency arrangements before colder, wetter weather. A short check now can help identify practical issues before a loss occurs.
Start with the building
- Arrange safe inspections of roofs, gutters and drainage where needed, using appropriate contractors.
- Make sure someone can access the property and respond to an emergency.
- Check heating arrangements and any requirements applying to empty premises.
- Keep maintenance records and up-to-date contact details for tenants and managing agents.
Plan for flooding
GOV.UK provides services for checking long-term flood risk, receiving warnings and preparing a business flood plan in England. Separate guidance applies elsewhere in the UK. Consider how you would protect people, important records and essential equipment if a warning is issued.
Review the policy details
Discuss storm, flood and escape-of-water cover, relevant excesses, unoccupancy conditions and any loss-of-rent arrangements. Insurance is subject to its wording: a maintenance problem is not automatically an insured event.
Tell us about changes in occupancy or property use. We can help you understand your existing cover and the information needed for a review.
Sources and further reading
Published 7 October 2026. Updated 21 October 2026. General information, not an assessment of your individual insurance needs. Cover depends on the policy and insurer agreement.