WHITE PLAINS, NY (August 15, 2022) — All prospective tenants must be provided a Flood History Form by property owners.
Why it matters: Renters often do not have insurance for their personal belongings, which are not covered by a landlord’s property insurance.
Flood prone areas:
- All properties are subject to flooding
- Special Flood Hazard Areas are referred to as the 100-year floodplain
- About 40% of all flood insurance claims come from areas outside those Special Flood Hazard Areas
Added difficulties for renters:
- relocating in the event of property damage
- health issues that require electric-powered medical equipment
- mobility issues making it difficult to relocate during an emergency
What they are saying:
County Executive George Latimer:“This is a simple form which can save tenants a complex headache. As the cliché goes, knowledge is power. Providing greater information to prospective tenants can help them protect their property, and lives, when the forecast calls for a major storm.”
Planning Commissioner Norma Drummond: “Our Department is here to serve the people of Westchester, and this new law gives us another tool to do so. Flooding can have a major impact on the life and well-being of a tenant, and equipping them with the understanding of what could happen can help residents better plan for emergencies.”
Go deeper:
- Flood History Form
- Local Law (Chapter 581)
- FEMA brochures
For questions, call (914) 995-4400.