Flood Damaged My Rental Property
The situation: My rental house flooded. My landlord policy doesn't cover flood. What about my tenant's things?
Quick Answer
Landlord policies, like homeowners policies, usually exclude flood. A landlord's flood policy covers the building under building coverage. The landlord's insurance doesn't cover the tenant's belongings; the tenant needs their own renters and flood coverage. Lost rent from a flood generally isn't covered by an NFIP policy.
Read to the end to complete this scenario.
On this page
What Happened
A flash flood sent water into the duplex Maria rents out. She had an NFIP building policy, which paid for drywall, flooring and the water heater, less the deductible. Her tenant's furniture and electronics were ruined; the tenant's renters policy excluded flood, and the tenant had no flood contents policy, so those losses weren't covered. The unit was empty for two months, and that lost rent wasn't covered either.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Flood Insurance (landlord, building)
- Landlord Insurance
- Renters and Flood Insurance (tenant)
Potential Coverages
Landlord's flood building coverage High likelihood
Pays for flood damage to the building.
Tenant's flood contents coverage Possible likelihood
Covers the tenant's belongings if the tenant bought it.
Landlord policy for flood Low likelihood
Usually excludes flood.
Possible Exclusions
- Flood is excluded from most landlord and renters policies.
- A landlord's policy doesn't cover the tenant's belongings.
Questions That Determine Coverage
- Does the landlord have flood building coverage?
- Does the tenant have flood contents coverage?
- Is the property in a high-risk flood zone?
- Does the lease address flood?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Make sure the tenant is safe and can relocate.
- Photograph damage.
- Report to the flood insurer.
- Tell the tenant to contact their own insurer.
Documents to Collect
- Photos
- Lease
- Flood policy declarations
- Repair estimates
Common Claim Process
The landlord files for building damage with their flood insurer. The tenant files for belongings with their own flood insurer, if any.
Potential Outcomes
- Building repairs paid by the landlord's flood policy, less the deductible.
- Tenant belongings covered only if the tenant had flood contents coverage.
- Lost rent generally not covered.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Encourage tenants to buy renters and flood contents coverage.
- Check the property's flood zone before buying a rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tenants buy flood insurance?
Yes; NFIP offers contents-only policies for renters.
Does flood insurance cover lost rent?
NFIP policies generally don't.
Related Terms
Related Scenarios
Related Tools
Explore the rest of the Landlord Insurance scenarios.
Browse Landlord Insurance scenarios →Sources
The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- Coverage for renting out your homeInsurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
- Buy a flood insurance policyFEMA, National Flood Insurance Program (FloodSmart)
Educational information, not advice: This scenario describes how a loss like this commonly goes, not how your claim will be decided. Coverage depends on your policy's wording, limits and deductibles, your state, and the facts. Confirm specifics with your insurer.