Storm Tips for Renters

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding damage

Strong storms often flood apartment buildings, particularly if there is foundation or roof damage. Before the next storm arrives in Washington, NC, it's important to know your responsibilities as a renter. They start with having a good renter's insurance policy.

Storm Tips

Make Sure You're Covered

The best thing you can do to protect yourself against a flooding event is get good coverage. While the building's owner is responsible for flood damage restoration to the building itself, there are several expenses that your rental policy may cover:

• Repair or replacement of belongings
  
• Cost of temporary relocation
  
• Medical expenses for injuries sustained during flood
  
  

It's important to know exactly what the terms of your insurance coverage are before you need it. Talk to your agent about the policy that is best for you and ask questions for the clarification you need to make the right decision.

Protect Important Documents

When you share a wall, ceiling or floor with another tenant, you don't have a lot of control over what happens in your building overall. One thing you can control, however, is how well you protect your own belongings. Most items are replaceable, and your renter's insurance should cover the cost of doing so. You may need your important documents such as your insurance paperwork, birth certificates and your rental agreement before mitigation is complete, though. Store them in a waterproof container, and save electronic copies with secure cloud backup.

Communicate With Your Landlord

Restoration of your apartment is a joint effort. You are responsible for your belongings, but your landlord is going to be the one who is in touch with the owner and the technicians in charge of the building restoration. Make sure the office manager has a way to contact you so you can stay informed about the progress of the cleanup.

If your apartment floods during a storm, you'll quickly learn how important it is to be prepared. With a good renter's insurance policy and reliable backups of all your vital information, you can do your part to make restoration go smoothly.