It’s not easy standing in the wake of a hurricane, but housing seems to be the largest struggle. It can get tense when you have to find out how to live or repair the house again for those residents in St. Petersburg. So, here are a few steps and some local resources to help lead you to recovery.
Know Your Rights as a Tenant
If you are a renter and your property has been damaged by a hurricane, then you should know what your rights are. As a renter in Florida, are entitled to a habitable living space. In case your rental is no longer safe or livable, the first thing that you should do is inform your landlord in writing. Always document the damage and maintain a record of all communications with your landlord.
For information on rights as a renter following a storm, check out this Tampa Bay Times guide to renters’ rights in Florida.
Find alternative shelter if your primary residence is uninhabitable
If your primary residence is uninhabitable, find alternative shelter. That post-hurricane experience described how hard the city of St. Petersburg’s housing was, so a swift solution would make all the difference. Shelter and emergency services may be available in the community.
Federal case managers and local agencies often collaborate together on providing emergency housing and short-term housing. According to the reports, for instance, sometimes emergency funding of up to $5,000 per household can be provided to assist during emergencies in relation to housing. For more about housing, from this article by St. Pete Catalyst.
Apply For Housing Rehabilitation Assistance
The Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program at St. Petersburg is ideal for homeowners who experience damage in the structures of their houses. They aid in the monetary aid required to make the respective repairs such that homes are habitable and safe again. Some of these repairs will involve fixing structural damages, and resumption of utilities for basic living spaces.
Contact Local Housing Authorities
Local housing authorities and city programs will indeed play a big role in post-disaster recovery because they can help match people up with affordable, sound, and safe housing options, rental assistance, and other forms of aid available for displaced residents.
To find out what’s happening with efforts and aid programs in which you should participate, listen to what’s going on with the St. Petersburg Housing Authority assisting hurricane-struck residents.
Stay Informed and Be Proactive
Hurricane recovery is a continuous process, and it’s essential to know what is happening. Changes in the local news outlets, government websites, or even community outreach programs highlight new sources of aid and updates as they come forth. Never think that you shouldn’t ask questions in hurricane recovery when local, state, and federal programs join together in a united effort.
Hurricane aftermath housing issues are stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re a renter or a homeowner, understanding where to seek sound information and ability can make the process much less painful. Look for the local hurricane insurance claim lawyers in St. Petersburg to help you in your claim and house recovery and rebuilding.
If you experience an issue with your insurance claim or need help from the courthouse, do not fear – Consumer Help Group is here. And when it’s time to take control of your recovery, do not hesitate to get in touch with us for guidance
