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Owner vs. Renter Liability: Navigating Disaster Responsibilities

A tree fallen on an SUV during an intense storm. As a rental property owner in Canoga Park, it’s very important to understand your responsibilities in the likelihood of major storms and natural disasters that can trigger extensive damage. This entails determining how to handle the potential damage or wreckage of your residents’ personal property.

Who is responsible for damage resulting from a disaster?

It’s a common misconception that any damage caused by a storm or natural disaster is only the property owner’s responsibility. But as a matter of fact, both renters and rental property owners have liabilities for property damage. Grasping well these liabilities is a focal part of being prepared for and recovering from misfortune.

Majority of rental properties feature one or more large trees around the home’s exterior. If a tree on your rental property falls down during a storm and ruins a vehicle belonging to a resident, whose responsibility is it to cover the cost of repairs? In such an event, paying for the damage is not your responsibility. In fact, the resident’s auto or renter’s insurance should cover the cost of overhauling the resident’s car.

What about other types of damage caused by a natural disaster?

Floods, wildfires, tornados, and more are all potential events that rental property owners and residents may face a few times. In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster damaging a rental property, it is the legal obligation of the property owner to make certain that the living conditions of the property are safe and habitable for the tenants. Not only that, the property owner is moreover financially responsible for sorting and covering the expenses related to the repair work required to restore the property to a habitable state.

But on the other side of the coin, the resident’s personal property, as for example vehicles, the cost of transportation due to an evacuation, lodging, food, and other expenses are all the resident’s responsibility. As long as the property is suitably restored to a habitable state within a short period, the resident may still be responsible for the lease terms. They must have sustainable renter’s insurance to cover, at least temporarily, needing alternative accommodations and to keep protected their personal belongings in case of damage or loss. Coaxing your tenants to do so may save you both an extra headache in the event of a disaster.

How to stay prepared as a landlord

As a landlord, it is significant to prioritize disaster preparedness. Most probable disasters can massively impact your rental properties and tenants. To make certain the safety and security of your properties, think about putting into effect a total property risk assessment, buying ample insurance coverage, and implementing preventative measures as for illustration, reinforcing vulnerable areas, securing loose objects, and putting together surge protectors.

Creating a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan and correctly communicating evacuation routes and emergency contacts to your tenants are integral steps. Having protocols in place for securing the property secondly contributes to efficient disaster preparedness, and in the end, safeguarding your rental properties and the protection of your tenants.

At Real Property Management West San Fernando Valley, we are passionate about helping Canoga Park rental property owners like you navigate the difficulties of natural disasters and other weather-related incidents. Contact us online or call us at 818-727-0100 today to understand more in terms of how we can endow you with the suitable guidance and support you so need.

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