Posted on 15 02 2023
Your responsibilities as a landlord after a natural disaster
If you are currently a landlord or are thinking about becoming one, it’s important to understand your responsibilities and have plans in place in case a natural disaster happens. A natural disaster can cause significant damage to your property, which can be stressful and costly.
The top priority when disaster strikes is ensuring the safety of your tenants. Informing your tenants about the potential danger and advising what they can do to keep themselves and their belongings safe is key. You can also provide steps they can take to stay safe and the location of emergency shelters just in case. Communication between yourself and your tenants is another key responsibility. This can be from keeping them informed of any updates, and being available to answer any questions or concerns they may have.
If your property does happen to get damaged, you may need to make an insurance claim on your property to cover the cost of repairing any damage. It’s crucial to understand the terms of your insurance policy including the process of making a claim, what is and isn’t covered and what you need to provide when making a claim.
Another responsibility of being a landlord is making sure the house is structurally sound, walls and roofs are secure and all piping and drainage is working properly to prevent further damage. Ensuring the rental property is maintained and providing a safe and healthy property is a legal obligation. This includes making sure any repairs that need to be made are done in a reasonable amount of time and if the property is inhabitable, providing tenants with alternative options for accommodation.
It’s essential to be prepared for a natural disaster and understand your responsibilities as a landlord to protect your tenants and your property. At Greenside, our top priority is to support our valued clients where we can. We offer a number of services to help after natural disasters such as moisture and insulation solutions, electrical services, and more.