Renters’ guidelines

Here is some general guidance from Houston-based apartment investment and property management firm Better World Properties:

• Rent is still due, and late fees may still apply. Some owners will waive late fees; some may not.

• A lease may be void if the unit is uninhabitable and a comparable transfer is not available.

• Most renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

• Residents who abandon their apartment may lose their security deposits and be held liable for future rent.

• Fair housing rules still apply.

• When flooded residents transfer to dry units, it is recommended that all the parties cancel the first lease and sign a new one.

• If a comparable unit is not available for transfer, management may offer a different unit at a different price.

• If the noncomparable unit is refused, the resident may cancel without penalty, depending on the amount of damage.

• Recovery work should begin immediately, subject to labor and materials availability and insurance company approval.

• Management typically will make a courtesy call to notify absent residents that their belongings must be removed, but the lease allows that anything not removed may be disposed of without further discussion.

• Management may put items in storage and charge the resident.

• Owners are not responsible for residents’ vehicles or personal possessions.

• Owners of buildings taken out of service may cancel a lease with a five-day notice.