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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(951) 351-8033
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Riverside Landlord Versus Tenant Flood Responsibilities

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

downstairs basement flooded with water, a water heater and dresser halfways underwater. 2 chairs floating., Flooding can be stressful and confusing. Once you and your family are safe, it is time to think about repairing and restoring your home or business.

Flooding  can be stressful and confusing. Once you and your family are safe, it is time to think about repairing and restoring your home or business.

Homeowners, business owners and renters alike now have to navigate the waters of insurance coverage. For homeowners, the process is likely clear. For landlords and tenants, however, it may be a bit more complicated. What does commercial property insurance cover? What does renter’s insurance cover?

Landlord Responsibilities

The first step as a landlord is to know your insurance coverage. Flood insurance is not typically part of general property insurance. Talk to your agent about your specific policy. Landlords are responsible for the following in the case of a flood:

• Whether insurance covers flooding or not, you as the property owner are still responsible for returning the dwelling to a safe, livable situation for your tenants. This must be done in a reasonably timely manner, so contact a water restoration specialist as soon as possible to avoid secondary damage from occurring. 

• Damages to the building are covered by the landlord, including all appliances that were not purchased and installed by the tenants. Flooring, drywall, electrical and other structures are under the property owner’s purview as well. 

Tenant Responsibilities

The landlord is not responsible for all damage, so as the tenant it is important to obtain renter’s insurance and know what is covered. As with landlords, flood coverage is not typically included in basic insurance, so talk to your agent about the details. Tenants should know the following information:

  • As a renter, your personal belongings are covered under your insurance. 
  • Relocation, if the apartment or dwelling is unlivable, is usually covered by your insurance and rent does not need to be paid during that time. You may choose to discontinue the lease if the damage is severe. 

Whether you are the landlord or tenant, obtain the appropriate insurance coverage. Understand what your property or renter’s insurance covers, and what your responsibilities are in the case of a flood in Riverside. 

What's Next

You went downstairs to switch over your laundry and realize your laundry room is flooded and you need to call SERVPRO of West Riverside City, what are they going to ask? 

  • Callers Name/Customer Name - Who will be responsible for decision and billing. 
  • Property Address 
  • Customer Phone Number 
  • Insurance Company, Claim Number, Deductible amount, insurance adjuster(if assigned yet) - Some of these items may not be known right away but are very important to ensure the insurance is able to be communicated with during the process. 
  • What, where, when - What broke, a pipe, toilet overfilled, storm related? What areas of the home is damaged, how big of an area, what kind of flooring? When did it happen?
  • Has the source been corrected or stopped? Before services can be effective by SERVPRO you may need to have a plumber correct or stop the leak.

    • If you call us day or night, you'll speak to a local representative to help guide you threw the next steps.  

    Now that we got the question completed, were scheduling services to begin and load up the vans.  

    Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 951-351-8033

    SERVPRO West Riverside City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPROs corporate training facility, to regular IICRC-industry certification, you can rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

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