Who’s responsible for clearing up after a storm?

Storms don’t just make headlines – they make a mess! With extreme weather events on the rise across the UK, many people are asking the same question: Who’s responsible for putting things right? Let’s break it down.

Who handles the drains?

When heavy rain hits, drains work overtime. But who’s in charge when things go wrong?

Private drains: If the drain sits within your property boundary, it’s your responsibility to keep it in good shape. That means clearing leaves and debris to prevent blockages and flooding. Simple steps can save you a headache later.

Public drains: Drains on roads or public land are the water company’s responsibility. Never attempt repairs yourself – it’s dangerous and could land you with a bill. If you’re unsure whether a blockage is yours or theirs, call a drainage expert. They’ll pinpoint the problem and guide you on next steps.

Storm drains: Even if a storm drain is on your property, your local water company usually owns it. If there’s a serious problem, don’t try to fix it yourself – call them. They have the tools and authority to sort it safely.

Before you start clearing up, either indoors or outdoors:

Take photos of any damage and the flood water line.
Speak to your insurer before throwing anything away.

Flood water can hide hazards like broken drain covers or sharp debris. Most items can go in the bin if they’re not contaminated but check with your council for skips or extra collections. Ask your council how to dispose of any used sandbags.

If sewage or chemicals are involved, contact your council’s environmental health team. They’ll advise on safe disposal as hazardous waste.

Fences and walls: avoiding neighbourly storms

Fences and walls are often first to fall when the wind picks up – and they’re a common source of disputes.

If the fence is inside your boundary, it’s yours to fix. If it sits on the boundary, responsibility is usually shared. Check your property deeds or have a friendly chat with your neighbour before reaching for the toolbox. Clear communication now can prevent a storm of arguments later.

Fallen trees: who pays for the damage?

If a tree on your property crashes onto your neighbour’s, you’re generally responsible for the damage – and vice versa. But here’s the catch: home insurance only covers your own property. So if your neighbour’s tree damages your home, you claim on your policy, not theirs. You can ask them to cover your excess, but their insurer won’t pay out for your repairs.

If the tree came from public land, the council will remove it. They might cover costs if negligence played a part, but usually you’ll claim on your own insurance.

Landlords and tenants: knowing your responsibilities

Landlords are usually responsible for storm damage repairs to rental properties. Tenants should report any issues straight away – speed matters when water is involved.

Storm damage to rental properties may be included in your landlord insurance policy, but it’s not a definite so check your policy.

Where does insurance come in?

Most home insurance policies cover storm damage – but what counts as a storm? The Association of British Insurers defines it as violent weather with one of these:

Wind gusts of 55mph or more
Rainfall of 25mm per hour
Snow at least 1ft deep in 24 hours
Hail strong enough to damage hard surfaces or glass

Your policy may have its own definition, so read the small print. And remember, insurers will want evidence. Photos, dates, and details of the damage can make your claim smoother.

Storms can be stressful, but knowing who’s responsible – and what your insurance covers – makes recovery easier. Keep communication open with neighbours, councils, and insurers. And when in doubt, ask the experts, such as our Howden teams. A little preparation now can save a lot of hassle later!

Find your local branch here or search Howden Insurance.

Sources: GOV.UK, Leading Property Lawyers, Citizens Advice, Lanes Drainage Services UK

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