If you’ve spent any amount of time in the Sunshine State, you are likely well aware that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through the end of November, with the peak being mid-August to early October.
For those who own investment property in Florida, this time of year can be particularly daunting, as it could spell potential damages and destruction – and this, in turn, can mean displaced tenants and interrupted cash flow for you.
When it comes to natural disasters and residential real estate, tenants and property owners each have certain responsibilities. For example, property owners must provide a safe structure and exterior, as well as a livable interior for their renters.
This means making sure that obvious defects – like a leaky roof or cracks in the walls – are repaired as soon as possible. Other “hidden” issues, such as the growth of mold between the walls, must also be properly addressed.
Likewise, if major appliances were damaged or destroyed, they will also have to be fixed or replaced promptly. Some or all of these items may be covered by a landlord insurance policy, which can reduce the amount that you’ll need to spend out-of-pocket.
However, the property owner is not liable for damage to tenants’ possessions that are broken or destroyed during a hurricane. Rather, these items should be covered via the tenant’s renter’s insurance policy.
In any case, the best course of action is to stay in communication with your tenants and keep them updated on how and when repairs will take place, and whether or not they may need to relocate during the process.
At Central Florida Property Management, we have more than a decade of experience managing Central Florida rental real estate in all types of economic and weather-related climates. So, if you’d like to learn more about how we can assist you, feel free to contact us at (407) 429-4834 or send us an email with any questions that you have by going to: https://cflpropmanagement.com/contact-us/. We look forward to hearing from you.