Hull & East Yorkshire
If you rent and water is coming in, you need it stopped, your belongings protected and your landlord told, in that order. Here's how that works in practice.
The building, its plumbing and its fixtures are normally the landlord's responsibility, and so is getting the water dried out and the damage repaired. Your furniture, clothes and electricals are yours, which is what contents insurance is for. If you don't have it, the landlord's buildings policy usually won't pay for your belongings.
If the leak came from something you did, like leaving a bath running, the landlord may look to you or your insurance for the cost. If it came from a faulty pipe, appliance the landlord supplied, or the roof, it's theirs.
Water damage left undried turns into damp and mould, and in rented homes that is increasingly a legal matter. Social landlords in England have had to meet Awaab's Law time limits on damp and mould since October 2025. If you rent privately and repairs aren't being done, Hull City Council's private housing team can inspect for hazards. Keep your photos, messages and dates.
We can come out when you ring, make it safe and start drying, but for the repair work we'll need your landlord or agent to authorise it, as they're paying and it's their building. Many Hull agents call us directly. Either way, you get a copy of what we found if you want one. Landlords and agents can read our pages for landlords and letting agents.
Our water damage cost estimator gives a price range for the job and shows who usually pays for what, whether you own, let or rent.
Mould starts growing within 24 to 48 hours of a leak. The sooner drying starts, the less damage and the lower the cost.
Call 01482 736003For the building, plumbing, fixtures and repairs, normally yes. Your own belongings are covered by your contents insurance, not the landlord's policy, unless the landlord was negligent.
For an emergency, to stop further damage, yes. Tell your landlord at the same time. For the drying and repairs to be paid for, the landlord or agent normally needs to authorise the work.
Talk to your landlord and check your tenancy agreement. Some landlords' policies include loss of rent or alternative accommodation. Citizens Advice can help if you can't agree.
Report it to your landlord in writing with photos and dates. It usually means the area wasn't dried properly. If nothing happens, the council's private housing team can inspect.
Ring us now and tell your landlord too.