Updated October 13, 2026On this page
If you’re a tenant
- Report it immediately, in writing (text or email, so there’s a record), even if you’ve also called. Landlords generally need to be notified promptly to be expected to act.
- You can usually act to stop active damage — shutting off a water source, for example — without waiting for permission, especially in an emergency.
- Your belongings are typically your responsibility, which is exactly what renters insurance covers. A landlord’s insurance generally covers the building, not your furniture or electronics.
- Keep records of when you reported the issue and what response you got — useful if there’s ever a dispute about habitability or repairs.
If you’re a landlord
- Indiana law generally requires landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing water damage that affects habitability promptly.
- Document the cause and the response — this matters both for your own insurance claim and for your relationship with the tenant.
- Communicate a realistic timeline to the tenant, especially if temporary relocation becomes necessary for a major flood.
Why renters insurance matters here
A landlord’s policy covers the building structure. It does not cover a tenant’s furniture, electronics, or other belongings damaged by water — that gap is exactly what renters insurance is for, and it’s typically inexpensive relative to what it protects.
This isn’t legal advice
Landlord-tenant law varies by situation and lease terms. For a specific dispute about responsibility or repairs, Indiana Legal Services or a local tenant's rights organization can give guidance specific to your situation — this guide is general information, not a substitute for that.
This site connects homeowners and businesses in the Elkhart County area with an independent local water-damage cleanup crew. We are not the servicing contractor and do not carry out cleanup ourselves. See our terms & disclosure.