What to do with tenants after the flood!

[Luke H.]

I'm in Houston, Texas and have 2 houses that flooded. The tenants do not want to move out. I've told them that I would replace the sheet rock in affected walls, clean the floors with disinfectant and replace the carpet.  

What do you guys advise in this situation, I've told them that I would let them out of the lease and I believe one of them have disaster assistance.  I'm not trying to get them out, but I want to make sure it is okay to let them stay while I have the houses repaired.

For me their safety is first.

Tips/advice/suggestions/comments please.
Thanks!

[Deanna McCormick]

you could consider a written agreement to have permission to have access to unit until the work is completed, Its not easy to live in a place under construction in any situation but it could work out. Unforeseen delays and structural issues could still be down the road. But first priority is wet stuff out, dehumidifiers in and no work done until moisture levels in floors and studs are within normal to put new  sheet rock and flooring in.

I've had some experience in storm related work with tenants, leaks, minor flooding. They have to fully cooperate, and remove any wet stuff they had also.. not sure if you have a second story in the place but if so that space is available.

As far as mechanicals.. water heater, cooling system, electrical, heat.. if that also was damaged this is going to be a much more involved situation to let them live in.

Check your state landlord tenant laws download and see what is mentioned about this.

This was a force of nature not something either party could control it's not business as usual for either of you so letting them out of lease would be easiest thing to do but with housing in the area they are at your mercy.

Not something anyone watching on the news can really wrap their head around, the damage was so wide spread it's going to be a horrible thing to deal with. 

 Personally if at all possible I'd have them vacate your not under any pressure then to deliver and refunding rent and deposit is the last of your worries. 

Best of luck to you.