Texas – According to the Texas Apartment Association, a property owner isn’t liable to tenants or their guests if injury or damage to property occurs as a result of natural disasters. If the rental unit is livable but requires repairs, the landlord must complete repairs within a reasonable time. When damages are so severe that a rental is completely unlivable, a landlord may decide to end the lease agreement.
Florida – State statutes are clear on what happens when repairs are needed following a natural disaster. Either the landlord or the tenant can end the lease when a rental unit is destroyed. If only part of the unit is damaged, the landlord must reduce the rent during repairs, and must make sincere efforts to complete repairs in a reasonable time.
Puerto Rico – In Puerto Rico, there is no regulated landlord-tenant law; however, under the territory’s civil code, landlords are considered responsible for maintenance and repair of rental units. In the event of a natural disaster that destroys the rental property, the tenant may end the lease agreement and move out. If the rental is still livable, but a portion is damaged and requires repairs, the landlord must reduce the rent during repairs.
Every state designates who is responsible for repairing natural disaster damage. If you live in an area where hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters typically occur, it’s important to note that in your lease. Check out some of the laws pertaining to repairs after natural disasters, below. For more information on your state’s landlord-tenant law, visit the government website or see our state law summaries.
