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Renters' Rights: What If A Tornado Hits Your Home?

In North Carolina, law mandates the landlord is responsible for any damage to the property. It's the landlord's responsibility to keep it safe, livable and up to code.

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- It's a plight about 200 home and property owners are facing after Sunday's tornado: damage beyond repair. But it's also a problem for renters.

Here's what you need to know:

In North Carolina, law mandates the landlord is responsible for any damage to the property. It's the landlord's responsibility to keep it safe, livable and up to code. Renters are responsible for their belongings inside a property.

If clothing or furniture gets damaged, it's the renter's responsibility to replace it. That sort of damage can be covered by renter's insurance, but note all your items will probably have to be documented. Click here to learn about making a home-inventory video.

In some situations, landlords may allow tenants to move into a new property if the initial property sustains damage, but it's not an obligation for them to do so.

Here's the big catch: if you're late on rent, you've already broken the deal with your landlord. That means they don't owe you anything.

If your home was damaged by the tornado and you are in need of housing, contact the Greensboro Housing Coalition.

For a full breakdown of renters' rights, click here.

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