Tenant Rights: Who is responsible for damage to your property in Houston, Texas after a storm, the landlords or the tenants?

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As some are just at the beginning of a long road to recovery from last week’s storm, it’s essential to know, if you’re renting, what you’re responsible for repairing versus what your landlord is responsible for. should take care of.

“I came back and everything was destroyed,” said Selena Obregon, who lives in Spring Branch with her husband and four children.

It’s been a long week for many of us, as we spent days without power and had to deal with the damage caused by the powerful storm that blew through.

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“I’m going to try to see if I can get my food stamps replaced because all my food was damaged,” Obregon said.

Like Selena, many renters are now thinking about their liability for replacement and what should fall on the landlord.

Since the power outage, in this case, was caused by a natural disaster, tenants will have to pay to replace their spoiled food.

However, if you are renting, you can apply for Serious Needs Assistance from FEMA, which can provide $750 that can be used to purchase food.

Regarding storm damage to your apartment or the house you are renting, it is the responsibility of the landlord.

“They are the ones who have to do these repairs, so make sure you put it all in writing, write it down to your landlord, and give them information about what was broken or damaged by the storm,” says Julia Orduna, Southeast Texas regional director of Texas Housers.

RELATED: How to Get Help from FEMA If You Were Hit by Last Week’s Destructive Storms

Orduna says it’s especially important to document damages and constantly communicate with your landlord after a disaster.

“If you are investing money in a home that is not your property, also be sure to communicate with the owner. If you are spending money on shoveling and gutting, if you need to remove debris , all of this should be well documented,” says Orduna.

When it comes to damaged personal property like household items, clothing or electronics, you’re responsible, although you may be able to get help from your renters insurance or FEMA.

If your home is uninhabitable after this storm and you need to move, Orduna advises people to take the time to understand their lease and realize that you still have to pay rent while repairs are being made.

You should also discuss with your landlord what options are available to you if you need to be away from home for an extended period of time.

Also be sure to document all expenses if you have to leave. FEMA also offers relocation assistance, which consists of up-front funds to help with immediate housing.

RELATED: Nearly 30,000 CenterPoint Energy customers still in the dark one week after deadly Houston storm

This right is yet another test of resilience, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck.

“They are not used to the heat and I haven’t worked either because there, near my house, they don’t have electricity either,” Obregon explained.

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Do you have questions about your rent? Having trouble getting help from a landlord? Send us your questions and we’ll think about them.