Renters

Renters are limited in the actions they can take to mitigate flooding, but there are several key steps they can take to reduce their flood risk.

Improvements and modifications to a property are the responsibility of the property owner, i.e., the landlord, and therefore, any flood mitigation measures that involve changes to a structure or the land on which it sits must be performed by (or with the approval of) the landlord. Although this means that renters have less control over their own flood risk, it also means that they are not liable for repairing flood damage to the building caused by a weather-related event.

Renters do have to incur the cost of replacing any of their belongings that are damaged due to flooding; however, there are ways for them to be prepared in the event of a flood, minimizing their potential losses and associated costs.

This website can provide renters with a basic understanding of how to:

1. Identify their current flood risk, or that of a prospective apartment before signing a lease.
2. Purchase flood insurance.
3. Protect their belongings.
4. Talk with their landlord about mitigation options.
5. Know their rights.