Hurricane Prep Checklist for Houston Rental Properties
If you own or manage rental property in Houston, hurricane season is part of the operating calendar. Harris County's emergency management office notes that hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Late-season storms do happen, so even in the fall it is worth working through the list below, and it is far easier to do this work on a calm week than with a storm already in the Gulf.
This checklist is organized in the order most owners and property managers find practical: building condition first, then insurance and records, then tenant communication, then what to do when a storm is coming and after it passes. It is general guidance, not legal or insurance advice. Your lease, local rules and policies control your specific obligations.
Part 1: Get the building ready before storm season
Roofs, drainage and loose exterior items cause a large share of storm damage at rental properties. Harris County's hazard mitigation guidance recommends steps such as removing trees and branches that could fall on the building or power lines, securing roof-to-wall connections, and protecting windows from flying debris.
Roof and gutters
- Inspect the roof for missing, lifted or damaged shingles and loose flashing. Our roof repair vs. replacement guide can help if the inspection turns up problems.
- Clean gutters and downspouts, and make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation.
- Check that attic vents and roof penetrations are sealed.
Trees and yard
- Trim limbs that hang over the roof or near power lines.
- Remove dead trees and branches.
- Note outdoor items tenants usually leave out: grills, patio furniture, trampolines, trash bins. These become projectiles in high winds.
Drainage
- Clear storm drains, yard drains and swales on the property.
- Look for low spots where water collects against the slab, and fix grading where you can.
- Confirm sump pumps, if any, work.
Openings
- Repair broken windows, failing seals and damaged exterior doors.
- Check garage doors, which are a common weak point in high winds.
- If you plan to board windows, pre-cut and label plywood for each opening and store it on site or nearby.
Systems
- Know where the water shut-off and electrical panel are at every property, and write it down for your vendors.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; generator use after storms raises carbon monoxide risk. Harris County's hurricane preparedness page warns to run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows.
Part 2: Review insurance and records
Insurance
- Review your landlord policy for wind and hail coverage and the deductible that applies to storm damage. The Texas Department of Insurance explains how roof coverage and deductibles can differ.
- Ask about loss-of-rent coverage if a unit becomes unlivable.
- Check flood coverage. Standard policies generally do not cover flooding. Harris County notes that NFIP flood policies normally carry a 30-day waiting period and are not sold when there is an active tropical cyclone in the Gulf. That is why flood coverage is a spring task, not a storm-week task.
Records
- Take dated photos and video of every property, inside and out, before the season. These are invaluable for claims.
- Store policies, photos, leases, vendor contacts and tenant contacts somewhere you can reach from your phone if you lose power or evacuate.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet listing each property, its policy numbers, and its shut-off locations.
Part 3: Communicate with tenants
Tenants who are new to Houston may not know where to find official information. A short message at the start of the season helps everyone:
- Evacuation zone. Point tenants to the ReadyHarris evacuation zone map and remind them to follow official orders.
- Alerts. Encourage tenants to sign up for ReadyHarris alerts.
- What tenants should do: bring outdoor items inside, report leaks and damage promptly with photos, and never run a generator inside a unit or garage.
- How to reach you, and how you will reach them before and after a storm.
- Renter's insurance. Remind tenants that your landlord policy does not cover their belongings.
- Help with evacuation. Harris County notes residents who may need help evacuating can register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) or by calling 2-1-1.
Part 4: When a storm is forecast
- Monitor National Hurricane Center advisories and ReadyHarris alerts.
- Send tenants a reminder to secure outdoor items and confirm how to reach you.
- Secure vacant units yourself: bring items inside, board windows if you planned to, and photograph the unit.
- Clear gutters and drains one last time if it is safe.
- Line up your vendors now. After a major storm, roofers, tarping crews and water mitigation companies get busy quickly.
- Do not send anyone onto a roof in high winds or lightning.
Part 5: After the storm
- Safety first. Treat downed lines as live, and stay out of floodwater.
- Check in with tenants and get photos of any damage.
- Document before cleanup. The Texas Department of Insurance advises taking photos and video of damage, making temporary repairs to prevent more damage, and keeping receipts.
- Prevent secondary damage. Tarp roof openings, remove standing water and start drying wet areas quickly to limit mold.
- Report claims promptly, and be present for adjuster visits.
- Watch for scams. Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving or rebating your deductible, as TDI explains in its roofing and insurance law summary.
- Plan the repair and make-ready. Once the unit is safe and dry, scope the repair the same way you would a turnover. Our make-ready scope of work guide is a good template.
One-page checklist
- Roof inspected, gutters cleared, downspouts extended
- Trees trimmed, dead limbs removed
- Drains clear, grading checked
- Windows, doors and garage doors repaired; plywood pre-cut if used
- Shut-off and panel locations recorded for every property
- Wind and hail deductible, loss-of-rent and flood coverage reviewed
- Dated photos and video of every property saved
- Tenants sent evacuation zone, alert sign-up, contact and generator safety info
- Vendor list ready for tarping, water mitigation and roofing
- Post-storm documentation and claim steps written down
FAQ
When should Houston landlords prepare for hurricane season?
Before June 1 is ideal, since hurricane season runs through November 30 and flood coverage normally has a waiting period. If you missed spring, start now with roof, trees, drainage and records.
Does a landlord policy cover flooding?
Standard policies generally do not cover flood. Flood coverage is usually a separate policy, and NFIP policies normally carry a waiting period.
What should I tell tenants before a hurricane?
Their evacuation zone, how to sign up for alerts, how to reach you, to bring outdoor items inside, never to run generators indoors, and to carry renter's insurance.
What do I do first after storm damage to a rental?
Make sure everyone is safe, document the damage, make temporary repairs to prevent more damage, keep receipts and report the claim.
Need pre-season repairs or post-storm work on a rental? BPC Development LLC provides free on-site estimates in Houston, TX. Call (281) 301-4737.