Disaster relief and reminders for protecting your rental home

The news coverage — sights, sounds and stories — of Hurricane Harvey have already touched our hearts and the storm’s effects continue to grow, across too many communities. Unprecedented levels of flooding in cities like Houston and so many others will affect residents for a long time to come.

These kinds of incidents remind us of how precious our homes are and how we need to take steps to protect ourselves and know our rights.

Here in Arizona, monsoons and dust storms can cause significant damage quickly. Before there’s damage, renters can seek to understand their rights and the responsibilities of the apartment owner when there’s storm damage. A renter has a right to a habitable home. The owner must make repairs in a reasonable amount of time. Renters cannot withhold rent payment when there’s damage from a storm or other disaster. All of these terms are spelled out in a lease and renters can be proactive in understanding what they can do to protect their home and what the owner must do to provide a habitable place to live.

Renters insurance can also add additional protection for renters. It’s so simple to secure this coverage and the insurance can close the gaps where the owner’s coverage doesn’t cover the resident.

In times like this, we will also see the generosity of Americans. Millions of dollars will come pouring in to support those affected by natural disasters. When you are considering donating to one of these groups, take the time to research the charity and see how they are planning to help.

The Arizona Multihousing Association is the statewide trade association for the apartment industry, representing more than 2,000 members in legislative, legal and regulatory matters. They provide services, products, educational programs and networking opportunities to promote ethical, quality rental housing throughout Arizona.