Is it the renters responsibility to clean up storm damage to the property?

Question

We had severe ice damage to our property. Some damage to the house which the owners said they would take care of but we have 5 trees down that will require massive cleanup. Am I responsible as a renter to clean this up or would that fall on the owners responsibility?

Answer 1

It depends on if yard maintenance is your responsibility or the landlords.

I would call the landlord, these should be covered under his insurance. Mine covers this sort of thing.

Answer 2

With a tough lawyer, you may be held accountable because the house is not grounded. This is an electrical code violation that may have prevented damage to your tenant's property. Are you SURE your house is not grounded? They usually run a copper wire to the cold water pipe to get an earth ground. But, during a storm, if a higher power line on a utility pole comes in contact with a lower power line say on a utility pole, you could get a high voltage surge and destroy your equipment. In that case, it's an act of God that even if you house was grounded, it would be a mute point. Higher the voltage, the higher the line is off the ground, and also higher up on the utility pole.

Answer 3

As a general rule, minor repairs and upkeep fall to the renter.
However, major damage (like trees down) are almost certainly the property owner's responsibility.
Check your rental contract to be sure, though.

Answer 4

Check your lease, but usually the owner is responsible for that kind of damage. Tree removal is major and may be covered by the owner's homeowner's policy. Good luck.

Answer 5

I wouldn't expect to pay for that if I was the renter. I would think the owner's hazard insurance (if storm damage is covered at all) would pay for it.

Answer 6

I suspect that the landlord would not WANT you cleaning up this mess, given the power equipment that it entails, and the risk of injury to yourself. Small windfall branches are one thing. Whole trees down is another entirely different issue.

Answer 7

This is the owner's responsibility, unless your lease/rental agreement specifically states otherwise.

Answer 8

No, not your problem. That's why some people rent to they don't have the expense of unexpected problems. The landlords insurance should pay those cost.

Answer 9

I would say not, the owner should call his insurance company and have them take care of it.

Answer 10

No way. That is his property and not yours. If he doesn't fix it though, you can do it yourself and in a way, bill him by taking the cost off of your rent.