A Texas law (House Bill 531) emphasizes that renters insurance doesn’t pay for flood damage.
Renters insurance, available for about $20 a month, pays to repair or replace the things you own if they’re damaged by fire, smoke, theft or vandalism, and certain kinds of water damage.
But renters policies don’t pay for losses caused by floods.
Renters worried about flooding should consider buying a separate flood policy. Ask your agent if they sell flood insurance. If not, you can buy a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. You can also call them at 800-427-4661.
Landlords are now required to:
- Tell potential renters if they know the dwelling is in a 100-year flood plain.
- Tell potential renters if they know the dwelling had flood damage at least once in the previous five years.
- Encourage renters to buy flood insurance.
Even if your home isn’t in a flood plain, you might want to consider a policy. Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Poor drainage systems, broken water mains, neighborhood construction, and summer storms can result in flooding.
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