When a storm threatens, a rental has two sets of worries: the owner who is responsible for the building and the tenant who lives in it. Clear expectations before hurricane season prevent misunderstandings later. Here is how both sides can prepare.

This is general information, not legal advice. Your lease and Florida law set the specific rights and duties, so review them for your situation.

For landlords: start with the property

Schedule a pre-season inspection of the roof, windows, doors, gutters, drainage, trees and fencing. Fix known issues, since small leaks and loose items become big problems in strong wind and rain. Check that smoke detectors work and that air conditioning has been serviced, because summer heat arrives right as storm season does.

If the home has shutters or panels, confirm who installs them and when, and make sure the hardware is complete. Write the plan down so there is no confusion in the middle of a stressful week.

For landlords: insurance and records

Review your landlord or dwelling policy, including wind and flood coverage and deductibles. Remember that your policy generally covers the building, not the tenant’s belongings. Take dated photos or video of the property’s condition between tenancies, and keep copies of leases, contact lists and vendor information in a place you can reach from anywhere.

For landlords: communication

Send tenants a short preparedness note before the season. Include emergency contacts, instructions for reporting damage, any shutter or outdoor-item responsibilities and a reminder to carry renter’s insurance. Owners who use a manager can ask what the storm plan is. Our Property Management page explains how we handle ongoing care.

For tenants: protect your belongings

Renter’s insurance is a smart investment, since the owner’s policy does not usually cover your furniture, electronics or clothing. Ask what your policy covers, including loss of use if the home becomes unlivable. Take photos or a video of your belongings and keep receipts for major items.

For tenants: know your lease and your plan

• Read the lease sections on repairs, damage, access and what to do if the property cannot be lived in.
• Learn your evacuation zone and routes, and where your pets can go.
• Store the landlord or manager’s contact information on your phone and on paper.
• Put together a supply kit with water, food, medication, chargers and flashlights.
• Bring in or secure patio items so they do not become hazards.

Before the storm: working together

When a storm is forecast, tenants and owners should check in. Confirm who is putting up protection, who is clearing the yard, and how to reach each other if phones are spotty. Do not try risky repairs or climb on roofs. Safety comes before property.

After the storm

Tenants should report damage promptly in writing with photos. Landlords should inspect as soon as it is safe, begin temporary protection to prevent further damage, notify the insurer and keep tenants informed about repairs and timelines. If the home is not livable, review the lease and applicable law, and talk openly about the next steps. Good faith on both sides makes a hard situation easier.

Plan for vendors

After a storm, good contractors get busy fast. Building relationships ahead of time helps. Browse our Preferred Vendors page for local professionals you may want to have in your contacts before you need them.

Put it in writing

The best protection for both sides is a short written plan agreed before June. List who handles shutters, who clears the yard, how damage gets reported and who to call after hours. When everyone knows the plan, there are far fewer arguments and far more cooperation when it counts.

Quick answers

Does my landlord’s insurance cover my belongings?

Usually not. Tenants generally need their own renter’s insurance for personal property.

Who puts up the shutters?

It depends on the lease and the property, so settle this in writing before the season starts.

What if the rental is damaged?

Report it promptly with photos and follow the lease and Florida law on repairs and habitability.

Need help with a rental on the Volusia coast? Call Urbanista Realty at 386-492-7441.