Natural disasters occur every year and misplace thousands of people, many whom are tenants in rental properties.
What is the Responsibility of a Property Manager if a property is victim of a natural disaster?
- a. Inform the property owner
- b. Allow the tenant the option to break the lease
- c. Repair any damage from the disaster
- d. Document the problem
- e. All of the above
The answer is E: All of the above
Tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires are all disasters effecting thousands of people every year. As a home owner, insurance generally solves most of your problems including assistance with alternate housing but what about renters? What is the responsibility of Real Property Management to our home owners and our tenants?
All rentals must provide the basics: electricity, water, heat, plumbing, weatherproofing and a structurally safe and sanitary environment. While landlord-tenant laws vary from state to state and even county to county, most state that if a rental unit fails to meet these basic needs, a tenant is under no obligation to remain in the unit and, depending on your state laws and lease terms, allowed to terminate the lease and receive their deposit in full.
On the other hand, if there is damage to a portion of the home but the basic needs are met, it is our job to notify you if the cost of the repairs is over the threshold specified in the management agreement, and make any repairs needed in a reasonable amount of time to avoid further damages.
With severe weather and hurricane season right around the corner, we at Real Property Management are your first line of defense. We are here to protect you from issues stemming from natural disasters, repairs and maintenance, and landlord-tenant laws and responsibilities.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.