What Should Renters Do After an Apartment Floods?

After a flood, your safety comes before everything else. If water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, do not touch anything. Turn off the main power only if you can reach the breaker box without stepping into water. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the apartment immediately and call the utility company from outside.

Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must walk through floodwater. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and debris. Open windows for ventilation, but avoid using fans or air conditioners until a professional has checked the electrical system. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.

• Do not enter a room with standing water near outlets.
• Avoid touching anything wet if you are standing in water.
• Leave immediately if you smell gas.
• Keep children and pets away from flooded areas.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with floodwater.

Contact your landlord or property manager as soon as it is safe. Tell them about the flood and share your photos. They are responsible for repairing the building and common areas, and they need to know about the damage right away. Keep a log of every call, email, and text you exchange with them.

Ask your landlord what steps they plan to take, such as shutting off water or arranging for cleanup. If the flood came from a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance, the landlord may need to fix the source before drying can begin. Do not assume they will handle everything immediately.

Once it is safe and you have documented everything, begin removing water and drying the space. Use a wet vacuum, mop, and towels to soak up standing water. Move furniture and rugs to a dry area if you can. Open cabinets and drawers to let air circulate. The sooner you dry things out, the less chance of mold growth.

For large floods or if water has soaked into walls, ceilings, or carpet, you may need help from local water damage pros. They have industrial fans and dehumidifiers that dry faster than household equipment. If you live in Doral, keep the number of a trusted water damage service handy. The pros can also inspect for hidden moisture that leads to mold.

• Remove standing water with a mop or wet vacuum.
• Move wet furniture to a dry area.
• Open windows and doors for airflow.
• Throw away soaked food and porous items.
• Do not use electrical appliances until they are dry and checked.
• Consider professional drying if water is deep or widespread.