Natural Disasters: What Are Your Responsibilities as an Evansville Landlord?

Natural disasters can wreak havoc in any place and leave a trail of damages in their wake. Whether it be a tornado, flood, earthquake, or fire, natural disasters cause extensive property damage and displace thousands of people every year. When a natural disaster hits and damages a rental property, landlords have to make sure they act on their responsibilities which cover renters too and not just the damage to the rental home. The extent of these responsibilities depends on whether your Evansville property is still habitable or not.

Because you are the owner, you already know that you have the responsibility to make sure that your property is suitable for human habitation. Regardless of location, all rentals must provide a tenant with water, heat, electricity, and a sanitary and structurally safe building. Although regulations vary per state, some rules still state that in the event a rental home fail to meet these standards, a tenant is under no obligation to pay rent and may even cancel the lease. They may also be entitled to receive their security deposit immediately in full.

If ever a rental home has been damaged by a natural disaster in Evansville, an assessment must be done soon after to know the scope of the damage. Such damages must also be thoroughly documented, to have documentation in case there are questions later on. If the damage is minimal and the tenant will be displaced for only a few days or weeks, your responsibility as an owner is to restore the damage as swiftly as possible. Your tenant possibly will still be obliged to meet the terms of the lease, as well as pay to mend or substitute any damage to their personal property.

If, however, the damage is extensive, or the repairs will take several months or more, it is the responsibility of the owner to determine how to handle the lease. If the home is uninhabitable, you may need to release your renter from the lease and return the security deposit in full. A tenants’ security deposit cannot be used to pay for damages caused by a natural disaster. Besides, if the natural disaster strikes close to the beginning of the month or immediately after a month’s rent has been paid, the landlord may have a responsibility to return that month’s rent to the renter.

Understanding how to respond after a natural disaster and which steps to take about the lease, rental payments, and security deposits is something the experts at Real Property Management Results have years of experience with. With our team on your side, you can stay cool and assured in the knowledge that even when disaster hits, your Evansville rental properties are in good hands. Please contact us online or call us at 812-461-1676 for more information.