It can happen at any time, and with little or no warning. Pipes can burst, appliances can leak, and you could find yourself with an apartment full of waterlogged furniture. If your apartment is flooded, you will want to take the necessary steps toward flood restoration and towards recovering your personal possessions.
Before this happens to you, take the time to talk to your landlord about what their landlord insurance actually covers. Don't assume that any damage to your building, your apartment, and your possessions are automatically covered by their insurance policy.
Landlord's insurance usually does not cover anything more than damage to the exterior of the building, and in any case, landlord's insurance will not protect your personal property. To make sure that your personal property is protected, you will need renter's insurance.
But once a flood has occurred, how can you minimize the damage and recover your stuff? First, make a list of all of your personal property and note any damages. If you have renter's insurance, your insurance company will provide you with a form that you can fill out. If not, it is still a good idea to inventory since this will help you to assess the total damage.
Talk to your landlord. Whether you have renter's insurance or not, it is important to find out about their landlord's insurance policy's inclusions and exclusions and about the flood damage restoration company that they will be using.
While you are waiting for the flood damage restoration company, move your furniture, clothes, etc. to an area of your apartment that has not been damaged by water. This will help to prevent the spread of mold and also reduce the amount of standing water in your home. Mold experts will tell you that anything that is saturated with water for more than 24 hours can become a breeding ground for deadly types of mold. Wipe up all of the excess water that you can, and use a wet/dry vacuum whenever possible.
Follow these tips and you will be on your way towards minimizing the damage caused by flooding in your apartment. Even the smallest water leak has the potential to cause a lot of damage, so make sure to always check appliances for leaks and damage, and turn off all faucets when not in use. If you discover cracks or leaks, report them to your manager and your building's maintenance staff immediately.
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