Costs Rise for Local Property Owners as Claims Go Unpaid

Across Globe-Miami, property owners are still assessing the toll from last week’s flood, as cleanup crews work around the clock to dry out homes and businesses and repair damaged infrastructure. For many landlords, property managers, and renters, the days since the storm have been a blur of phone calls, insurance claims, and emergency repairs.

Service First Realty, the largest property management firm in Globe-Miami, says they have fielded nearly 350 calls since Monday—from tenants and owners reporting flood damage, to people seeking rentals, to coordination calls with insurance adjusters, contractors, and service providers for repairs.

Amazingly, Owner/Broker Debbie Cox says that of her 150-plus managed properties, not a single one of her tenants has been displaced. (One property did have substantial damage, but was empty at the time)

“We were able to get in there and get things rectified since the units were still habitable and there wasn't any mold,” Cox explained. “We’ve been working with a licensed contractor, Arizona Water Extractors, who brought in dehumidifiers and antimicrobial fans and monitor every site for us.”

Still, she said, several properties suffered significant damage.

“One house in Railroad Court had to have the carpet ripped up and sections of flooring removed—and half the air-conditioning unit floated away,” she said. “The tenants, who are here working on several projects, were willing to adapt and simply moved into other rooms.”

The financial impact, however, is real.

“That air-conditioning unit alone was over $11,000, and no one can afford flood insurance,” Cox noted. “Of the owners we know who have submitted claims, all have been denied.”