Have you suffered home damages? Are you wondering whether you need to leave during repairs? If so, you’ll need temporary housing. Read on to learn when to start searching and where to begin.
Is your home habitable?
The first step is to determine if you can continue living in your home after damages. Your claims adjuster will typically evaluate whether your residence is habitable. What determines whether you can live in your home during repairs? This is usually based on the following factors:
1. Structural damage
If there are major safety concerns that pose a risk to occupants, a residence may be considered uninhabitable.
1. Electricity, water, heating and cooling systems
If these systems are severely damaged or don’t work or your home is either too hot or cold, you will probably need to relocate.
1. Running water and a functional bathroom and kitchen
These are basic requirements of a habitable home.
1. Lingering odours, smoke residue or potential airborne health hazards
Poor air quality can make a home unsafe.
1. Local building codes and regulations
If your home doesn’t meet the requirements due to damage, it will be deemed uninhabitable.
1. Broken doors and windows
These issues jeopardize the habitability of a home, compromising security and increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
Keep in mind that the assessment of habitability may vary depending on the nature and extent of the above issues. Your insurance adjuster and relevant authorities can provide the expertise needed to evaluate the condition of your home.
What about other circumstances requiring relocation?
Sometimes, unforeseen situations can force you to leave your home, even if it hasn’t sustained direct damages. For instance, you may receive an evacuation order from the authorities due to a wildfire, flooding or a hurricane. In such cases, you may be compelled to relocate for your safety.
Many insurance policies account for these risks and include provisions for living expenses during such circumstances. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand the coverage for these events.
ALE coverage
Whatever reason you need to relocate, check whether you’re covered by the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) clause in your insurance policy. This provides coverage for the extra costs you may incur when temporarily living away from your home due to a covered loss or damage. ALE coverage typically includes costs such as temporary housing, meals, transportation, and other necessary living expenses. Knowing the extent of your ALE coverage can help you make informed decisions and alleviate the financial burden of living in alternative accommodations during repairs or an evacuation.
When do I start looking for temporary housing?
Some adjusters will find housing for you. If this is not your situation, begin your search as soon as you know the scheduled start date for repair work. By starting right away, you give yourself ample time to explore different housing options and secure temporary housing that meets your needs. Otherwise, securing short-term accommodation can be challenging.
What if I’m unsure about the dates?
Setting specific arrival and departure dates can be tricky because of the ever-present risk of delays in construction work. Fortunately, some relocation services, such as SiniSTAR, take this uncertainty into account. SiniSTAR’s hosts are aware that extensions are common, and they avoid booking back-to-back rentals. You can request as many extensions as needed. If an extension isn’t possible, the company offers you an alternative housing option.
What if I need to relocate fast?
Do you need to swiftly vacate your residence due to an unforeseen event? Finding last-minute temporary housing can be tough. Fortunately, SiniSTAR can handle expedited relocations and help you find a home in a short timeframe—sometimes in less than 24 hours.
How do I find the right temporary home?
Unearthing the ideal temporary home can seem daunting. If you find yourself unsure where to begin, reaching out to your insurance provider is a good starting point. Your claims adjuster will be able to offer valuable suggestions. Plus, insurance companies often have agreements with housing providers, which makes your task much easier.
Learn more:
The ultimate guide to temporary housing
Choosing the right temporary home after an insurance claim
How to find temporary housing after making an insurance claim
Do you need a temporary home?
If you need temporary housing, look no further than SiniSTAR for a hassle-free solution. The company’s user-friendly platform lets you browse a wide range of housing options that meet your specific needs. Just enter your criteria, and you’ll quickly find an ideal home in your area.