{"id":369422,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/renters-tips-for-displaced-homeowners-after-a-natural-disaster.html"},"modified":"2024-01-24T21:19:27","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T02:19:27","slug":"renters-tips-for-displaced-homeowners-after-a-natural-disaster","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/renters-tips-for-displaced-homeowners-after-a-natural-disaster.html","title":{"rendered":"Renters&#8217; Tips for Displaced Homeowners after a Natural Disaster"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Renters&#039; Tips for Displaced Homeowners After a Natural Disaster<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aisha-success-esq\/\">Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            January 24, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Homebuyers and existing owners should know that homeownership can be challenging. Sometimes, natural disasters can cause home values to plunge. Even worse, sometimes owners have no choice but to evacuate their homes for extended periods during emergencies.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is common for displaced homeowners to rent property while awaiting repairs to their homes. This is especially true when a natural disaster forces them into the rental market. When disaster strikes, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/enforcing-your-civil-rights\/disaster-assistance-and-your-civil-rights.html\">Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) payouts<\/a>&nbsp;may be available. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/flood-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)<\/a>&nbsp;is another resource for owners faced with flooding risks.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, Houston residents might remember the flood hazards ensuing from Hurricane Harvey, which forced property owners to evacuate. Disaster damage in the real estate market may force people to rent temporarily. Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Earthquakes,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/top-ten-tips-for-filing-fire-insurance-claims.html\">fires<\/a>, hurricanes<\/li>\r\n<li>Tornadoes, wildfires,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/flood-insurance.html\">flood<\/a>&nbsp;damage<\/li>\r\n<li>Climate change events and storm surges<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>There are only a few differences between the rental procedure for displaced homeowners and the process followed by other renters. The following tips will guide a homeowner through the process of becoming a temporary renter in a new home.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Use &#8216;Loss of Use&#8217; Coverage To Pay for a Rental<\/h2>\r\n<p>One of the most important renters&#8217; tips for a displaced homeowner is to take advantage of &quot;loss of use&quot; coverage provided by a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-natural-disasters.html\">homeowner&#8217;s insurance policy<\/a>. Loss of use, or &quot;additional living expense&quot; coverage, will pay for the cost of living in another home. A homeowner may use this coverage under the following circumstances:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Damage covered under the insurance policy makes the home uninhabitable<\/li>\r\n<li>A law enforcement agency or a disaster relief organization ordered the evacuation of the home (e.g. in high-risk situations)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>While a home undergoes repairs or rebuilding, loss of use coverage will reimburse the policyholder for living expenses that exceed those that a homeowner would normally incur while living in their home. Covered expenses include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Temporary housing<\/li>\r\n<li>Cost of temporary storage and moving<\/li>\r\n<li>Laundry costs<\/li>\r\n<li>Cost of some meals<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Most policies limit benefits by enforcing time constraints or restricting the maximum reimbursement to a percentage of the coverage amount on the home.<\/p>\r\n<p>The type of housing the insurance provider will pay for depends on the severity of damage to the home. If it is possible to make repairs quickly, loss of use coverage will pay for a hotel stay. However, if it is impossible to fix the home quickly, the homeowner may use the coverage to pay for a rental. Generally, the insurer will pay for a rental similar to the home the policyholder lived in.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Gather Required Documents<\/h2>\r\n<p>Prospective tenants often saturate the rental market when a widespread natural disaster occurs. Gathering the appropriate documentation will help alleviate delays and increase the chance of moving into a rental quickly. The following are important tips about the documents a homeowner should obtain before searching for a rental:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Credit Report:<\/b>&nbsp;Although a landlord can obtain a copy of a prospective tenant&#8217;s credit history through a credit reporting agency, providing a copy may speed up the application process.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Proof of Employment:&nbsp;<\/b>Verify employment and income by obtaining a letter from an employer.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Proof of Income:&nbsp;<\/b>If self-employed, establish proof of income with the most recent tax return.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Proof of &quot;Loss of Use&quot; Proceeds:<\/b>&nbsp;Verify housing reimbursement from an insurance provider by giving the landlord a letter from the insurer about the homeowner&#8217;s situation and providing a copy of the insurance policy.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Don&#8217;t Fall Prey to Rent Gouging<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/price-gouging-laws-by-state.html\">Price gouging<\/a>&nbsp;after a natural disaster is illegal in many states. Laws prevent service providers from unreasonable price increases on certain services and supplies, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Housing<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical supplies<\/li>\r\n<li>Gas and transportation<\/li>\r\n<li>Building supplies<\/li>\r\n<li>Repair services<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>For example, it is illegal in California to engage in rent gouging. California defines rent gouging as an increase in the price of a rental unit by more than 10% of its price before the disaster. A violator is subject to a fine of up to $10,000, a year in jail, or both.<\/p>\r\n<p>A homeowner can report rent gouging to a state&#8217;s attorney general or the local prosecutor&#8217;s office. If you&#8217;re working with a real estate agent or Realtor to help you find a rental, let them know affordability is a priority. They may be able to help you file a report in case a landlord tries to rent gouge.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Understand the Tenant Screening Process<\/h2>\r\n<p>A landlord must base the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-background-screening-faq.html\">selection of a tenant<\/a>&nbsp;on objective criteria. For example, a landlord must require all tenants to provide the same information. A landlord may choose a tenant by considering such factors as credit history, income, and references.<\/p>\r\n<p>The federal&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/fair-housing-act.html\">Fair Housing Act<\/a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/content\/pkg\/USCODE-2009-title42\/html\/USCODE-2009-title42-chap45-subchapI.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fair Housing Amendments Act<\/a>&nbsp;prohibit the selection of tenants based on race or color, national origin, religion, disability or handicap, sex, and familial status.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Decide Whether To Sign a Lease or a Rental Agreement<\/h2>\r\n<p>Because a displaced homeowner is only seeking temporary housing, it is important to understand the difference between a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/signing-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs.html\">rental agreement and a lease<\/a>. The anticipated length of the stay will help determine whether a rental agreement or a lease is most appropriate. It is important to avoid oral agreements since the terms and conditions agreed upon will be difficult to prove if problems arise.<\/p>\r\n<p>If a displaced homeowner expects to return home in a few months, entering a rental agreement may be best. Unlike a lease, a rental agreement is a contract for a short-term tenancy. Rental agreements are more flexible than leases.<\/p>\r\n<p>In most states, the tenant or the landlord can easily&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/ending-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs.html\">end the tenancy<\/a>&nbsp;by giving a 30-day notice for a month-to-month agreement. If neither party ends the tenancy, the agreement automatically renews with the same terms and conditions each month. The landlord, however, can change the rental terms by giving appropriate notice to the tenant.<\/p>\r\n<p>A lease agreement may be the best option if a homeowner will rent for a year or more. A lease agreement is a contract for a long-term tenancy that usually lasts for at least six months or a year.<\/p>\r\n<p>Unlike a rental agreement, the terms and conditions of tenancy remain in effect until the lease term expires or until the tenant agrees to the changes in writing. This means that the landlord cannot increase the rent during the term of the lease, and the renter will remain responsible for the balance of the rent even if the rental is vacated before the expiration of the lease.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Obtain Money for the Security Deposit<\/h2>\r\n<p>It is necessary to pay a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposits.html\">security deposit<\/a>&nbsp;when moving into a rental. State law allows landlords to collect a deposit from renters to pay for damage to the property and unpaid rent. In many states, a landlord cannot charge more than one to two times the rent for a security deposit. After the tenant moves out, a landlord may use the security deposit to make repairs that exceed ordinary wear and tear. Within the time specified by state law, the landlord must return the remaining security deposit to the tenant.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Obtain Renters&#8217; Insurance<\/h2>\r\n<p>Like homeowner&#8217;s insurance, a renter can obtain&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/renter-s-insurance.html\">renters&#8217; insurance<\/a>&nbsp;to protect against loss while living in a rental. Renters&#8217; insurance provides reimbursement up to the maximum amount of the insurance policy. Ask your insurance agent for more information about coverage.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Consider Speaking With a Lawyer<\/h2>\r\n<p>Insurance companies may deny claims after a disaster. They might also unjustly raise premiums. If your insurance denies coverage for your temporary rental or you face challenges with your landlord, speak with an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/bad-faith-insurance\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">insurance lawyer<\/a>&nbsp;or a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord and tenant lawyer<\/a>. You may also benefit from legal advice from a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home.html\">\n                        Buying a Home\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law.html\">\n                        Landlord-Tenant Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-disputes.html\">\n                        Neighbor Disputes\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foreclosure and Alternatives Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and  Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord and Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Housing and Construction Defects Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is common for a displaced homeowner to rent property while awaiting repairs when a natural disaster hits. FindLaw provides tips for displaced owners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369371,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369422","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369422","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369422"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369422\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369422"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369422"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369422"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369422"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}