Resources ready for post storm remedies

With the 100-year storm wreaking havoc in San Diego County last week, the County declared a State of Emergency. With certain areas being hit harder than others, the Southern California Rental Housing Association is sharing best-practice tips for property owners, including homeowners and others who own real estate.

TIPS, REMINDERS, AND RESOURCES

Property owners should work with their insurance provider if there was damage to their building or property. A key question to ask yourself: Do you have flood insurance, or might you need it going forward?

Those with damage to their vehicles should contact their auto insurance provider.

If you have renters, they may have damage to their personal property. They should consult with their renter’s insurance provider. The property owner’s insurance will repair the structure but not replace a resident’s personal property. This could be a good time to remind renters why renters insurance is so important. (Pro tip: Make sure your leases are compliant with state law and have the proper flood disclosures.)

Fill out a Damage Assessment Survey and help the County advocate for State and Federal Assistance here: https://bit.ly/48R07VL.

More Recovery resources are available here: https://bit.ly/3ugK3h9.

EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS

The City and County of San Diego have declared emergencies due to the storm to help facilitate receiving federal and state money to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and provide services. At the time of writing this, Governor Gavin Newsom had not yet declared an emergency for areas hit hard by floods, but an emergency proclamation is likely. Property owners and managers should be mindful of anti-price gouging laws while emergencies are in effect.

It is unlawful for any person, business, or other entity, to increase the rental price advertised, offered, or charged for housing, to an existing or prospective tenant, by more than 10 percent.

SCRHA will let members know if and when Gov. Newsom declares an emergency. To see where there are state emergencies and how anti-price gouging rules apply to rental housing: https://bit.ly/3SbGHDS.

BE PREPARED

In preparation for future rain events, property owners and managers impacted by rising waters during the rain should take advantage of free sandbags provided by local jurisdictions.

Visit the website or social media pages for the jurisdiction in which your property is located.

Encourage residents to park vehicles in areas that are less likely to flood to help mitigate flood damage to vehicles. Share emergency resources with your residents and staff and encourage everyone to sign up for cell phone alerts at https://bit.ly/4bkz2vO.