Monday

Understanding Your Renter's Rights in the Case of a Natural Disaster or Fire

By Hedrick Lepsch


If you are renting an apartment, you need to make sure that you know what your rights are in the case of a natural disaster or fire. Knowing how to proceed in these circumstances is very important legally.

Fire is not something that people usually consider preparing for, but it is something that always has the potential to happen. Due to all of the elements that are at work, there is the potential for fire to break under a variety of conditions.

Houses are incredibly valuable and important things to those that own them. However, they also are vulnerable to being damaged by flames, so it is vital that people take precautions to prevent such a thing form happening.

Make sure that the windows and doors are easy to open, but they have locks and deadbolts to keep out intruders as well. Check out the condition of the heating and cooling systems, hot water, and plumbing systems. If something does not look or feel right to you, you need to make sure that it will either be taken care of, or that you move somewhere else. Your safety should be the priority for you and your family.

If the home is located in an arid or dry area, then it is much easier for a flame to ignite and spread. Additionally, houses that have long grass or weeds pressing up against them, or that have flammable objects leaning up against them are at greater risk overall.

Keeping the yard clean and clear is one of the rules that home owners can follow in order to reduce the overall risk that they might be facing. If there is a lack of flammable material present, then it will be harder for there to be an ignition outside of the house.

The carpet in your home should not stay if it has been damaged by unsanitary water. Make sure that you assess the water damage so that you can understand what type of water was touching your carpet.

Second, even if the water comes from rain or from a clean water source you will have to make sure that you know how you can disinfect the area. There are a lot of people that do not realize the necessity of disinfecting the area.

Make sure there is a number on your apartment door-if there is not, contact management for one. This is one of your rights as a renter. Learn to recognize the sound of the fire, tornado, and general warning alarms, and leave the building immediately when you hear them. Ignoring them can cost you your life.

Look into renter's insurance-sometimes it can save you thousands of dollars in the case of an emergency. While the property owner is responsible for damages and losses for the physical structure of your apartment, you are responsible for your personal belongings.

As you are cleaning your carpet you have to make sure that you can remove all of your furniture. If your furniture is also water damaged you may want to take time to reupholster the equipment or just make sure it is dried out thoroughly.

Candles and warmers either use flame or heat to melt wax and release scent and light. If these units are next to something that is flammable, then they have the potential to cause a lot of damage by igniting something.

While rights vary in each situation and location, there are certain standard things that you should be aware of. If a disaster does occur, contact the Red Cross for help with immediate needs such as housing, food, and clothing.

While you are letting the fans dry out the carpet you want to make sure that you leave them to run for at least 36 hours. After you put up the fans you may also want to put up dehumidifiers so you can be sure that you are getting all of the moisture that you need.

If you are not insured, you will be financially responsible for replacing your belongings. If your resistance is deemed uninhabitable for a period of time, you may have the right to terminate your lease, cease payments, or even get a refund on rent money that has been paid.

Read carefully through your lease agreement in regards to this clause before you proceed with signing any papers. You may want to have a lawyer look over what you are signing before you become contractually bound in any way.

Fire damage is a common safety concern that has to be dealt with every day. Those that consciously make an effort to be on top of their safety procedures around the home should be able to contain or prevent fire damage before it becomes too dangerous or expensive.




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