“In 2022, Texas experienced more than 80 major weather events—including hail, hurricanes, and flash floods.”
— National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Texas storms don’t hold back—and neither should you when it comes to understanding your rights and protections as a renter.
From leaky roofs to flooded floors, property damage after a storm can be chaotic. But there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than meets the eye. If you’re a tenant, it’s crucial to know what role insurance plays, how landlords handle damage, and how public adjusters can speed up repairs and improve outcomes for everyone involved.
Let’s break down what you need to know when storm damage hits your rental property—and why you should care about who’s handling the insurance claim.
First Things First: Who’s Responsible for What?
Your landlord’s insurance covers the structure: walls, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and common areas.
Your renters insurance (which you should have) covers your stuff—furniture, electronics, clothing—and often pays for temporary housing if your unit becomes unlivable.
That means if your ceiling collapses during a hurricane, your landlord’s insurance pays for repairs, while your insurance pays to replace your damaged laptop or mattress.
Tip: Need a reliable renters insurance policy? Start by reviewing this guide from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
What Happens After the Storm?
Once the storm passes and the damage is visible, a few things start happening:
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Landlords report claims to their property insurance provider.
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An insurance adjuster (from the insurer’s side) inspects the damage.
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Repairs are approved, denied, or negotiated depending on the policy coverage and payout.
Here’s the problem: insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. That’s where public adjusters step in.
️ What’s a Public Adjuster—and Why Does It Matter to You?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works for the property owner, not the insurance company. Their mission? Maximize the insurance payout to fully repair the property.
Here’s what they do:
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Thoroughly assess storm damage
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Review the policy in detail to uncover coverage options
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Provide documentation, estimates, and photos
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Negotiate with the insurance company to get the highest possible settlement
Why should you care as a renter? Because when a public adjuster is involved, repairs usually:
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Get approved faster
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Include full restoration instead of patch jobs
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Improve safety and habitability of your unit
️ Learn more at Texas Public Adjusting, a team that advocates for fair and fast repair solutions across the state.
What Should Renters Do Immediately After a Storm?
Even though you’re not the one filing the building insurance claim, there’s a lot you can and should do:
✅ 1. Document Everything
Take photos and videos of any damage to your belongings or unit. This helps you file your renters insurance claim and gives your landlord’s team additional evidence.
✅ 2. Contact Your Landlord
Ask:
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Are they filing a claim?
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Will repairs be covered by insurance?
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Are they working with a public adjuster?
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What’s the estimated timeline?
✅ 3. File a Renters Insurance Claim
If your personal property is damaged or if you need to stay elsewhere while repairs happen, your renters policy can step in.
Here’s how renters insurance works in Texas:
Texas Department of Insurance: Renters Insurance Guide
✅ 4. Understand Habitability Laws
If storm damage makes your apartment unsafe (no power, water leaks, mold risk), you have rights. Texas law requires landlords to maintain safe living conditions.
For legal guidance, visit:
Texas Attorney General – Tenant Rights
⚖️ What If Repairs Take Too Long?
Sometimes insurance negotiations drag on, or landlords delay action. Here’s what you can do:
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Communicate regularly and keep a record of all written communication with your landlord.
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Ask for a temporary rent reduction if parts of your unit are unusable.
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Seek legal advice if habitability is violated or repairs are ignored.
In some cases, if a landlord fails to act in a “reasonable time,” you may be legally allowed to:
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Terminate your lease
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Pay for repairs and deduct from rent (with limitations)
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Withhold rent (only under strict legal conditions)
Always consult a legal aid group or the Texas Tenants’ Union before taking legal steps.
The Cycle You Don’t See
Let’s say a public adjuster helps a landlord win an insurance payout that’s three times higher than the original offer. Instead of cutting corners, they now have funds to:
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Fully restore the roof
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Replace damaged drywall and flooring
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Address mold risks
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Upgrade insulation or HVAC for energy efficiency
You—the renter—benefit from safer, cleaner, and more comfortable housing. All because someone behind the scenes knew how to fight the insurance battle the right way.
Final Word: Stay Proactive, Stay Informed
After a storm, your comfort and safety rely heavily on how your landlord navigates insurance. Public adjusters are the often-overlooked advocates helping rental communities get back on their feet—quietly unlocking the funds needed for real repairs.
As a renter, your role is to protect yourself, stay informed, and ensure your landlord is taking action. Ask questions. File your own claims. Know your rights.
And the next time your ceiling gets fixed or the HVAC hums back to life, take a moment to appreciate the quiet work of the hidden heroes behind the repair—public adjusters making sure it all happens.