Hurricane and renting

Question

I'm a renter and living in a hurricane-prone region. Other than insuring my own property and securing my stuff (like outdoor furniture/pool stuff, etc) what, if anything am I required to do as a tenant in a house?

Am I responsible for covering the windows or doing anything special or does the landlord/homeowner have to deal with this stuff?

Answer 1

I know from experience, it is the landlords responsibility (and right to or not to) to protect the structure. If they don't, and you wanted it done it would have to be done at your expense. Also, any insurance carried by the homeowner does not protect your belongings. Check with your insurance carrier on renters insurance. I was told that I lived too close to the coast and they wouldn't insure me at all, for a renter's policy. Also, keep in mind that a lot of policies do not cover floods. Therefore you may have to get creative securing your things. (i.e. move everything upstairs because if the roof blows off it will cover your things but if water saturates the first floor it is considered flood). However, I have to tell you if a hurricane does in fact affect you, FEMA and the Red Cross are there to help.  

Answer 2

If I were you, I'd ask the LL if the requisite plywood, tools, etc. needed to protect the property in the event of a hurricane are on site. If not, I'd ask him to provide them.

It would be asking too much of a renter to pay for all the equipment and labor necessary to protect his property.

On the other hand, you must take reasonable steps to protect his property, short of buying all of the aforementioned stuff. And you should take whatever steps are necessary to protect your personal belongings.

Answer 3

I would say as the tenant you would want to protect your belongings in the house so I would board up the windows.