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Alberta Flooding, and How It Affected Landlords

Landlord Advice

How were landlords were affected by the Alberta flooding? – A lot! Business owners, industries as well as the whole Canadian population were greatly affected by the worst flooding problem in the history of Alberta. In June 2013, the region experienced heavy rainfall that caused high and low pressure area mishap; thereby, building up precipitation for more than 24 hours. The result caused the rivers to heap three times their normal levels to overrun Calgary and cost more than C$3 Billion worth of casualties. In 2005, a similar event also occurred that caused the Bow and Elbow rivers to heap up as well causing C$400 Million causalities.

The affected areas include Calgary, High River, Southern Alberta, and Saskatchewan and Manitoba. All of these cities were under mandatory evacuation orders due to the risks on their lives. The Canadian Armed Forces together with a large mass of volunteers worked incessantly for 20 hours to ensure that all people were relocated safely into the encampments. The loss was unimaginable; amounting to billions of dollars to recover from the peril. Unfortunately, with all their efforts, the catastrophe claimed four lives due to drowning.

The aftermath of the flood would reflect a significant 1% loss in Canada’s GDP-according to the World Market. The affected industries include oil companies, livestock producers, fresh produce, and commerce. Homeowners, landlords and tenants were also severely handicapped by the event; turning their hopes of recovering to various insurance companies.

How landlords were affected by the Alberta flooding

The flood reached up to the 1st level of the apartments and buildings in these affected areas. Residential landlords as well as commercial space owners would have to file for insurance claims for the flood. The good news is that some business insurance covers flood problems while residential insurance do not. This posted problems for both the landlord and the tenant because the apartments will be inhabitable until the flood subsides.

Due to this problem, tenants would still have to pay for their rent even though they are encamped on evacuation centers. Landlords, on the other hand, would need to file for claims in order to rebuild their sources of income.

What landlords can do

1. Take photos of the liabilities. Take photos of all the casualties that would substantiate as evidence for the damages. You don’t have to wait to an actual representative to check on the damages since the catastrophe is evident in the news. After this, begin to sanitize the area to avoid dangers of other diseases from mold, germs and pest remains.

2. File for assistance. Contact your insurance company even if your claim is not supported. There are a lot of insurance companies who are willing to cover some damages of your homes; so it may be worth your time to apply. Also, you could contact the Alberta Disaster Recovery for assistance.

3. Write a temporary agreement of lease. As landlords, you also have to look after your tenants too. You can make a write up of a temporary lease agreement so that you could settle rent payment since it would be inhabitable until the repairs are finished.

4. Write to the insurance company. If a representative has not made contact after you file for your claim, you could write to the insurance company regarding your case and how your terms apply in the event.

5. Contact an adjuster. An adjustor is a middle person between you and the insurance company. Their primary job is to investigate your claim and recommend a settlement. This would give your claim better chances.

6. Contact the ombudsman. If the adjuster didn’t do well, you could contact the ombudsman. This person’s job is to review your claim and execute an amiable settlement. They could either be working directly with or an affiliate the insurance company; so if they still do not favor your cause,

7. Contact the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO). This organization is impartial of both parties (you and the insurance company) and would work for a resolution for your complaint. Otherwise, you may opt for a legal advice.

The calamity has caused a scar in Canada’s Gross Domestic Product -a scar that everybody has to learn from. There is no telling when another natural calamity might strike that is why it is important to discuss the scope of you insurance policy. How landlords were affected by the Alberta flooding is enough reason why you should extend your options to safeguard your belongings.