Everything A Landlord Needs to Know Before & After Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are unfortunately a reality landlords and renters alike must face. With recent events across the nation, Mother Nature has left many landlords wondering what their role is both before and after natural disaster strikes. From hurricane preparedness to protecting a home from wildfires to what happens to a rental lease when a property is damaged, we have compiled everything a landlord needs to know before and after a natural disaster.

Preparing For Natural Disasters

While some natural disasters strike suddenly with little to no warning, such as a spring tornado, other disasters are predicted well before their arrival. In the case of hurricanes, for example, modern technology and science allow residents the chance to prepare before the storm reaches their property.

If you own a rental property in an area that is in the path of a natural disaster, take note of the following disaster-specific instructions.

Preparing A Rental For Hurricanes

As a landlord, there is only so much you can do to prepare your tenants for a hurricane or tropical storm. While ultimately they must take responsibility for their own safety, you can provide them with instructions on how to best prepare their rental home. You can also provide the materials needed to protect a home during hurricanes if you own properties in a hurricane-prone area.

• Direct your tenants to the hurricane section of Ready.gov, which will help them prepare a family plan, evacuation plan, and safety plan
• Be sure any damaged trees or old branches are trimmed on the property. Hire someone to remove all damaged limbs and trees as these will quickly become dangerous debris during high winds.
• Make sure gutters and siding are secure. Repair any damaged components prior to the storm.
• Install hurricane shutters.
• Ask tenants to secure any outdoor furniture or items that could be thrown around. This includes patio sets, grills, children’s toys, etc.
• Let tenants know that if they have renters insurance, it is in their best interest to take photos of everything they own before they evacuate. This will make the process of filing claims much easier.

Preparing A Rental For A Wildfire

Hurricanes are not the only natural disaster that causes destruction across the nation each year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a total of 4,312 structures were destroyed by wildfires in 2016, including more than 3,000 homes and more than 70 commercial buildings.

If a wildfire is spreading in an area where your rental properties are located, take the following course of action to help protect your property:

• Provide your tenants with Pre-Evacuation Tips from Ready For Wildfire. This website will help your tenants create an emergency plan in the case of evacuation and will provide instructions on how to prepare the home.
• Instruct tenants to move flammable items in the house away from windows, including curtains and shades.
• Have the gas shut off at the meter to the home.
• Ask tenants to close up all windows in the home before they leave.
• For tenants with renters insurance, remind them to take photos of their belongings before they leave. A solid inventory will help during the claims process should items be destroyed.

Handling Pets During An Evacuation

If your tenants live in an area that is under evacuation, check in with them and urge them to obey evacuation orders. Remind tenants with pets that they should bring along all animals during an evacuation. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS) requires accommodation for pets during an evacuation. Remind tenants that due to this act, their pets will be allowed in designated shelters and on evacuation transit.

After Disaster Strikes

After a natural disaster has passed through the area your rental properties are located in, it is time to start assessing the damages and taking the next steps necessary. Post-disaster you will need to make decisions about your property, insurance claims, and what to do with tenants who have evacuated, are late on rent or return to uninhabitable homes.

When The Home Is Uninhabitable

If a natural disaster destroyed a rental property to the point that it is deemed uninhabitable, most states will follow similar regulations as outlined in the Uniform Landlord Tenant Act (URLTA). This act states that in the case of disasters, “If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that enjoyment of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant may (1) immediately vacate the premises and notify the landlord in writing within [14] days thereafter of his intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating; or (2) if continued occupancy is lawful, vacate any part of the dwelling unit rendered unusable by the fire or casualty, in which case the tenant’s liability for rent is reduced in proportion to the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit.”

This essentially means that in the states who have adopted this act or similar laws, the lease is voided when the property becomes uninhabitable. Some states use the act as a jumping off point and create slightly different versions of these laws.

For example, you can find the following state’s regulations below, which reflect similar language and policies as the URLTA. However, it is important to note the small differences in language as well:

• Florida: “If the premises are damaged or destroyed other than by the wrongful or negligent acts of the tenant so that the enjoyment of the premises is substantially impaired, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement and immediately vacate the premises. The tenant may vacate the part of the premises rendered unusable by the casualty, in which case the tenant’s liability for rent shall be reduced by the fair rental value of that part of the premises damaged or destroyed. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall comply”

• Texas: “If after a casualty loss the rental premises are as a practical matter totally unusable for residential purposes and if the casualty loss is not caused by the negligence or fault of the tenant, a member of the tenant’s family, or a guest or invitee of the tenant, either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the lease by giving written notice to the other any time before repairs are completed. If the lease is terminated, the tenant is entitled only to a pro rata refund of rent from the date the tenant moves out and to a refund of any security deposit otherwise required by law.”

• Montana: “If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that enjoyment of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant may: immediately vacate the premises and notify the landlord in writing within 14 days of the tenant’s intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating; or if continued occupancy is lawful, vacate any part of the dwelling unit rendered unusable by the fire or casualty, in which case the tenant’s liability for rent is reduced in proportion to the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit.”

Because laws and regulations can vary greatly from state to state, it is best to consult with your local attorney to determine the best course of action in the case of an uninhabitable home.

When The Home Is Habitable

If your rental properties are still habitable, you may still face unique circumstances with your tenants. Evacuations, lost time from work, and other distress may leave tenants who live paycheck to paycheck struggling to pay their rent. What are your responsibilities as a landlord in these situations?

If the home is still habitable, the lease is still binding. However, it is important to keep in mind that natural disasters can be extremely difficult on those with little to no savings. In fact, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, renters have median cash savings of $630, which means a natural disaster can wipe out their savings. Depending on whether or not they carry renters insurance, they may be left with very little left to their name. If you have tenants who have been in good standing with you, try to treat them fairly and according to the circumstances, they are facing. While you are still running a business and need to meet your costs as a landlord, it is also important to remember that natural disasters can cripple those with fewer means.

If you have tenants who are struggling to keep up after a natural disaster, direct them to FEMA’s website where they can apply for assistance. FEMA provides individual disaster assistance to those who were affected by a natural disaster and will help renters with costs associated with hurricanes, wildfires, and other national emergencies.

File Insurance Claims

After natural disaster strikes, you will want to begin the process of filing insurance claims. How much assistance you will receive through your insurance will vary greatly depending on the landlord insurance policy you carry. It is best to require tenants to carry their own renters insurance as this will not only protect their belongings and losses but in some cases can also help you cover deductibles.

Unfortunately, the process for filing claims can be extremely slow in the case of major disasters. With so many claims flooding the system, patience will be key. The better documentation you keep upfront, the better chance you have of receiving fair compensation for damages.

A natural disaster can leave both landlords and tenants wondering what comes next. Remember, always consult with a local attorney when in doubt and try to work with your tenants as much as possible during these trying times.

DISCLAIMER: TurboTenant, LLC does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.