Hurricane Ian -- obligations to a tenant when the power will not be back on for a week

Scott1401
Level 2
Placida, FL

Hurricane Ian -- obligations to a tenant when the power will not be back on for a week

Hi, I'm a host in Port Charlotte, which got hammered by Hurricane Ian.   I have an active renter who rented the home through Oct. 11th, but FPL (Florida Power & Light) is now saying the power won't be on until ~Oct. 9th (midnight)... so only the last 2 days of their planned stay.   

 

What are my rights here given Extenuating Circumstances?  I need to get insurance adjustors over there, and possibly repair folks:   Do I have to wait until the end of their rental period, or does the on-going emergency imbue a Host with special privileges?   

 

Your advice/experience would be very welcome if you've been through anything similar.  Thanks!  

2 Replies 2
Karen114
Top Contributor
Bolton, MA

I would ask the guest to I leave and refund unused nights. Not having power makes the unit uninhabitable. 
If guest wants to stay, explain that you would need to send in repair people sooner than after their stay to protect the integrity of the property. 

Karen
Lorna170
Level 10
Swannanoa, NC

@Scott1401   The guest should have vacated when the hurricane was announced; most transient renters are not allowed to stay in the event of an evacuation, suggested or required.  The guest should leave, and you can refund the last 2 days but NO more.  We had an evacuation announced (years ago) and immediately shut down the rental property.