Houston Flood Zones: An Apartment Renter's Guide (2026)

How to check any Houston apartment's FEMA flood zone in two minutes, which neighborhoods sit lower, and the seven questions to ask before you sign a lease.

Houston Flood Zones — What Renters Need to Know

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Harvey changed everything. In August 2017, a single storm dumped over 60 inches of rain on Houston in four days — more rainfall than any storm in U.S. history. It flooded 154,000 homes and damaged over 300,000 structures. The damage totaled $125 billion. And it happened to renters who had no idea their apartment was in a flood zone. Here is the uncomfortable truth: many of those properties are still on the rental market. Some have been renovated. Some have not. Almost none of them will volunteer that information when you come for a showing. This is not a scare piece. Plenty of Houston apartments are in low-risk zones with zero flood history — beautiful neighborhoods, great amenities, excellent value. But you have to know how to find them, and you have to know the right questions to ask before you sign anything. This guide is your briefing. Thirty minutes of reading will tell you everything Houston landlords leave out of the brochure. ---
I moved from Denver in 2022 and had no idea Houston flooding was even a concern. Signed a lease in a nice-looking complex near Brays Bayou. Six months later, the parking garage was underwater. Nobody told me to check. I wish I had found this guide first." — Renter, Houston TX (submitted via HTXapt.com)
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**THE HOUSTON FLOOD REALITY CHECK** Before you sign anything, internalize these five facts: 1. **Houston is the flood capital of America** — More annual rainfall than Seattle, Miami, or New Orleans. Three major floods hit Harris County in the three years before Harvey alone. 2. **154,000+ homes flooded in Harvey** — That is roughly 1 in 4 residential structures in Harris County. The risk is not hypothetical. 3. **Flood history is public information** — The Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool and FEMA flood maps are free, specific to individual addresses, and take two minutes to check. 4. **Zone AE means it has flooded before** — A 1% annual chance sounds low. It is not. It means the area has flooded repeatedly, including in living memory. 5. **Your landlord is not required to tell you** — Texas requires disclosure of known flooding in the past 5 years, but enforcement is inconsistent and loopholes exist. Do the check yourself. ---
### How to Check Your Flood Zone in 2 Minutes Go to msc.fema.gov. Enter any Houston address. The map will show your flood zone designation: - **Zone X** — Minimal risk. Outside the 500-year floodplain. This is what you want. - **Zone AE** — High risk. Within the 100-year floodplain. Has flooded historically. - **Zone AO** — Shallow flooding risk. Sheet flow areas. Still significant. - **Zone X (Shaded)** — Moderate risk. Within the 500-year floodplain. Not zero risk. ### The Harvey Flooded Address Lookup The Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool (harriscountyfemt.org) lets you search whether a specific address flooded during Harvey. This is separate from the FEMA zone — an address can be in Zone X and still have flooded in Harvey due to the storm's extreme scale. ### Why Fresh Renovations Are a Red Flag If a 2015-built apartment has brand new flooring, new drywall, and a fresh paint job with no explanation — ask why. Post-Harvey renovation is common. It is not inherently bad, but you deserve to know. Ask directly: "Was this unit renovated after Harvey?" ### Texas Disclosure Law — What It Actually Covers Texas Property Code requires sellers to disclose flooding, but rental disclosure requirements are weaker. Landlords must disclose if the unit is in a 100-year floodplain — but only if they know, and only in writing if you ask. The burden is on you to ask in writing and document the response. ---
If you're touring an apartment — or touring virtually from out of state — these are the questions that separate an informed renter from someone who gets an unpleasant surprise during the next storm: 1. **"Did this building or this unit flood during Harvey or any storm since?"** Legally, landlords in Texas must disclose known flooding if you ask. If they say no, get it in writing. If they say yes, ask what mitigation has been done since. 2. **"What flood zone is this property in?"** If the leasing agent doesn't know, that's a red flag. A well-managed building should have this information ready. 3. **"Is first-floor parking or first-floor living affected by street flooding during heavy rain?"** Ask for specifics. "We've had water in the garage twice" is a very different answer from "No, never." 4. **"What's the building's elevation relative to the street?"** Buildings with raised foundations, berms, or elevated first floors are designed with flooding in mind. Flat-slab construction at street level is more vulnerable. 5. **"Does the building have a backup generator?"** If the answer is yes, ask how long it runs and what it powers — common areas only, or individual units too? 6. **"What's the evacuation route if access roads flood?"** Some buildings are essentially islands during major rain events. Knowing whether there's a secondary access point matters. 7. **"Do you require or recommend renters insurance with flood coverage?"** Forward-thinking buildings will have a clear answer. If they brush it off, they either don't care about your safety or they don't want you thinking about it. ---
**Harris County Flood Control District** The agency responsible for managing flooding across Harris County. Their online mapping tool (harriscountyfemt.org) is the most Houston-specific flood resource available — more granular than FEMA maps and updated with Harvey data. Free to use. No signup required. 📍 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston TX 77092 🌐 hcfcd.org | harriscountyfemt.org 📞 (713) 684-4000 ---
Standard renters insurance covers theft, fire, wind damage, and liability. It does **not** cover flooding — not from storms, not from overflowing bayous, not from backed-up drains (though some policies offer separate sewer backup endorsements). To cover flood damage to your personal belongings, you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. For renters, this is typically affordable — NFIP contents-only coverage starts around $100–$150 per year for lower-risk zones and goes up from there. Here's the math: $150/year is $12.50/month. If a storm destroys $8,000 worth of your belongings, that $12.50/month policy is the difference between replacing everything and starting from zero. If you're in a Zone AE property, strongly consider it. If you're in Zone X, still consider it — the cost is low and the peace of mind is real. If you're on a first-floor unit in any zone, it's a no-brainer. For what renters insurance does and doesn't cover more broadly — costs, coverage limits, and how to file — see the Houston renters insurance guide.
**Essential Flood Research Resources** | Resource | What It Shows | URL | |----------|--------------|-----| | FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Official flood zone by address | msc.fema.gov | | Harris County FEMT | Harvey flood history by address | harriscountyfemt.org | | Harris County Appraisal District | Property age and renovation history | hcad.org | | Texas Windstorm Insurance | Coverage availability by zone | tdi.texas.gov | | HTXapt.com Flood Filter | Pre-screened flood-safe listings | htxapt.com | ---
**Quick Reference: Bayou Systems to Know** - **Buffalo Bayou** — Runs through Memorial, River Oaks, Downtown. Flooded extensively in Harvey. Beautiful but watch proximity. - **Brays Bayou** — Runs through Medical Center, Meyerland, Bellaire. Meyerland flooded 3 times in 3 years pre-Harvey. High caution zone. - **White Oak Bayou** — Runs through Heights, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove. Heights sits elevated above it — lower risk than bayou banks suggest. - **Sims Bayou** — South Houston, Hobby Airport area. Significant flood risk in adjacent neighborhoods. - **Cypress Creek** — North Houston, Cy-Fair area. Flooded catastrophically in Harvey. ---
**Featured Flood-Safe Listing: Upper Kirby Area** Upper Kirby consistently ranks among Houston's lowest-risk neighborhoods for flooding. Elevated terrain, strong drainage infrastructure, and proximity to major employment corridors make it one of HTXapt's highest-recommended zones for renters who have done their research. Current verified 1BR furnished listings available from $1,450/month. FEMA Zone: X (minimal risk) | Harvey flood history: None recorded *[Apartment listing module pulls live from HTXapt.com database — filtered to Upper Kirby, Zone X only]* ---
**Verified Flood-Safe Houston Apartments** *[Dynamic apartment grid — filtered by: FEMA Zone X, Harvey flood history = none, available now. Pulls from HTXapt.com database.]* Neighborhoods included in this filtered view: - The Heights (elevated terrain, Zone X) - Upper Kirby (strong drainage, Zone X) - Montrose (mixed — filter confirms Zone X units only) - Midtown (elevated core blocks, Zone X confirmed) - EaDo (newer construction on elevated pads, Zone X) - Medical Center / Main Street Corridor (Zone X confirmed buildings) ---
**The Heights — Houston's Flood-Safe Gem** The Heights is named for a reason. Built in the 1890s on land that sits 23 feet above the average Houston elevation — specifically to avoid the flooding that plagued the lower city. It is the only Houston neighborhood whose name literally describes its flood protection. **Why The Heights works for flood-conscious renters:** - Elevation: 23 feet above Houston average — well above any recorded flood line - FEMA Zone: Almost entirely Zone X - Harvey performance: Zero documented residential flooding - Bonus: Walkable, tree-lined streets, independent restaurants, boutique apartments, direct access to White Oak Bayou Greenway trails (on the safe side of the bayou) **What to expect:** 1BR from $1,200. High demand, low turnover. Units go fast — especially furnished. HTXapt maintains a Heights-specific verified shortlist. ---

Top Spots Nearby

  • Pinkerton's Barbecue — Pinkerton’s Barbecue, nestled in The Heights neighborhood of Houston, is a culinary gem that truly embodies the essence of Texas barbecue. Founded by Grant Pinkerton, a passionate pitmaster with deep-rooted Texas traditions, the restaurant has gained acclaim for its meticulously crafted smoked meats, combining family recipes with innovative creations. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere invites diners to enjoy a communal experience, filled with the mouth-watering aroma of smoked brisket, ribs, and their legendary whole hog, which has garnered numerous accolades on both local and national stages. Diners rave about signature dishes such as the tender smoked brisket, which melts in your mouth, and the rich, savory sausage that showcases the chef's dedication to quality ingredients crafted from scratch daily. What sets Pinkerton’s apart in Houston’s bustling food scene is not only its award-winning barbecue but also its commitment to creating a warm, welcoming environment for families and friends alike. Those seeking a true taste of Texas barbecue, enhanced by the unique flair of modern culinary techniques, will find themselves at home in this lively eatery.
  • Fat Cat Creamery — Fat Cat Creamery, nestled in the vibrant Heights neighborhood of Houston, is a charming haven for ice cream lovers seeking a delightful culinary experience. This quaint establishment takes pride in its small-batch ice cream crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, resulting in rich and creamy flavors that truly capture the essence of Texas. The brainchild of a passionate chef with a background in artisanal sweets, Fat Cat Creamery offers a diverse range of signature dishes, from whimsical ice cream sundaes to nostalgic push-up pops that evoke fond childhood memories. The atmosphere is playful yet inviting, adorned with cat-themed decor that adds to the whimsical vibe—making it a perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone with a sweet tooth. What sets Fat Cat Creamery apart in Houston's bustling food scene is not only its commitment to quality and sustainability but also its innovative flavors that change with the seasons, keeping patrons coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or celebrate a special occasion, this delightful creamery is sure to satisfy your cravings, all while creating a warm and welcoming environment.
  • Boomtown Coffee — Boomtown Coffee, nestled in the heart of The Heights neighborhood in Houston, is more than just a coffee shop; it is a sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. This specialty coffee roaster is dedicated to crafting exceptional brews, featuring a diverse selection of meticulously sourced beans, each roasted to perfection. Led by a passionate team of baristas steeped in coffee culture, Boomtown takes pride in its artisanal approach, offering signature drinks like the velvety "Sonora — Honeyed Costa Rican" and refreshing cold brews that tantalize the taste buds. The ambiance is vibrant yet relaxed, adorned with local art and surrounded by the chatter of a community that cherishes the coffee experience. What sets Boomtown apart in Houston's food scene is its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, partnering with the 1% for the Planet initiative to give back through coffee sales. Whether patrons are looking for a cozy spot to work, catch up with friends, or simply indulge in a delightful cup of joe, Boomtown Coffee stands as a beacon of innovation and warmth in Houston's eclectic coffee landscape.
  • Stude Park — Stude Park, nestled in the vibrant Heights neighborhood of Houston, offers a refreshing escape with its lush green spaces and well-maintained trails. This park is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring wide walking paths that meander through beautifully landscaped gardens and shaded picnic spots perfect for family gatherings. Visitors can engage in various recreational activities, including jogging, cycling, and playing on the park's spacious open fields, which are ideal for a game of frisbee or a family soccer match. The vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by regular community events, bringing neighbors together for activities like outdoor movie nights, seasonal festivals, and fitness classes that encourage camaraderie among residents. Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home, as well as the soothing sounds of nearby water features. With amenities catering to all ages, including playgrounds for children and serene spots for relaxation, Stude Park is a cherished haven where individuals and families alike can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and community spirit.
  • Danny Jackson Family Park — Danny Jackson Family Bark Park, nestled in the heart of Houston's The Heights neighborhood, is a vibrant oasis for both dogs and their families. Spanning 2.76 acres, this dog park features separate off-leash areas designed for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for every furry visitor. Providing ample green space, shaded seating, and a dog washing area, the park emphasizes community and recreation, making it a favorite for local pet owners. With amenities like drinking fountains, dog ponds, and free waste bags, the park ensures convenience for caregivers while maintaining its natural charm. Beyond being a playful haven for dogs, the park also fosters community spirit through various events and gatherings, inviting families to connect and enjoy the outdoors together. Its commitment to responsible pet ownership and community health is a testament to the legacy of its namesake, Danny Jackson, making it a perfect destination for dog lovers and families alike.
  • Donovan Park — Donovan Park, a cherished gem in the heart of The Heights neighborhood, has served as a vibrant gathering spot since its establishment in 1996. This enchanting park is more than just a playground; it offers sprawling green spaces that inspire imagination and joy, making it a perfect retreat for families and community members alike. Whether children are climbing play structures, adults are enjoying tranquil moments beneath shady trees with a book, or friends are hosting lively picnics, Donovan Park caters to all ages with its versatile offerings. The lush surroundings, paired with well-maintained trails, invite leisurely strolls and active explorations, while various community events throughout the year cultivate a spirit of unity and celebration. The ongoing 'Reimagine Donovan Park' initiative aims to elevate the park's amenities, ensuring it remains an inclusive and welcoming space for future generations. With its perfect blend of natural beauty, recreation, and community engagement, Donovan Park is a captivating destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and neighbors.
**Houston Neighborhoods by Flood Risk Level** ### Lower Risk (Zone X, Strong Elevation) - **The Heights** — Elevated terrain, historic low flood record - **Upper Kirby** — Strong drainage, well above bayou grade - **Rice Military** — Elevated, next to Memorial Park - **Midtown** — Core blocks have strong Zone X record - **EaDo** — Newer construction on elevated pads ### Moderate Risk (Monitor Closely) - **Montrose** — Mixed zones; specific address check required - **Museum District** — Some blocks Zone AE adjacent to Brays Bayou - **River Oaks** — Premium neighborhood but Buffalo Bayou proximity; check block by block - **Galleria / Uptown** — Generally Zone X but infrastructure aging ### Higher Risk (Require Detailed Research) - **Meyerland** — Flooded 3 times before Harvey, then Harvey. Significant risk. - **Bellaire** — Brays Bayou proximity; multiple flood events - **Memorial (west)** — Buffalo Bayou adjacency; Harvey impact significant - **Cypress / Cy-Fair** — Cypress Creek flooding; serious Harvey damage ---
**Houston Flood Risk Quick Reference** | Neighborhood | Flood Risk | FEMA Zone | Harvey Impact | HTXapt Verdict | |-------------|-----------|-----------|---------------|----------------| | The Heights | Very Low | X | None recorded | ✅ Recommended | | Upper Kirby | Low | X | Minimal | ✅ Recommended | | Midtown | Low | X (core) | Minimal | ✅ Recommended | | EaDo | Low-Mod | X (new builds) | Minimal | ✅ With verification | | Montrose | Moderate | Mixed | Some areas | ⚠️ Address check required | | Museum District | Moderate | Mixed | Some areas | ⚠️ Address check required | | River Oaks | Moderate | Mixed | Western areas | ⚠️ Address check required | | Meyerland | High | AE | Significant | 🚫 High caution | | Memorial (W) | High | AE | Significant | 🚫 High caution | | Cypress/Cy-Fair | High | AE/X500 | Severe | 🚫 High caution | ---
**Visual: FEMA Flood Zone Map — Houston Overview** *[Map image showing Houston metro with flood zone color coding: Zone X in green, Zone AE in red/orange, Zone X shaded in yellow. Major bayous labeled. Key neighborhoods annotated.]* Caption: FEMA flood zone designations for Greater Houston. Green = Zone X (minimal risk). Red/orange = Zone AE (high risk, 100-year floodplain). Source: msc.fema.gov — check your specific address for accurate results. ---
**Houston Flooding — Before You Sign vs. After You Know** *[Gallery of Houston flood resource screenshots and neighborhood photos]* 1. FEMA Map Service Center — address lookup interface 2. Harris County FEMT — Harvey flood extent map 3. Zone X neighborhood example (The Heights street view, golden hour) 4. Zone AE example (Brays Bayou overflow documentation) 5. HTXapt flood filter interface — pre-screened listings view 6. Renter's insurance document example — flood rider clause highlighted ---
**Interactive Houston Flood Zone Map** *[Leaflet map with filterable pins — Houston metro]* **Filter options:** - Show Zone X only (minimal risk) - Show Zone AE (high risk — reference) - Show Harvey flood extent overlay - Show HTXapt verified listings (Zone X only) **Map pins:** - Green pins: HTXapt verified flood-safe apartments - Yellow pins: Moderate risk — address check recommended - Red pins: Zone AE / Harvey flood history — research required - Blue lines: Major bayou routes (Buffalo, Brays, White Oak, Sims) ---
**Houston Flood Zone Types — Side by Side** | | Zone X | Zone X (Shaded) | Zone AE | Zone AO | |---|--------|-----------------|---------|---------| | **Risk Level** | Minimal | Moderate | High | Moderate-High | | **Floodplain** | Outside 500-yr | 500-yr | 100-yr | Sheet flow areas | | **Harvey History** | Mostly unaffected | Some impact | Significant impact | Varies | | **Flood Insurance Required?** | No (recommended) | No (recommended) | Yes if federally backed loan | Yes if federally backed loan | | **HTXapt Recommendation** | ✅ Green light | ⚠️ Check address | 🚫 High caution | ⚠️ Check address | | **Typical Rent Impact** | Market rate | Market rate | Often below market | Market rate | | **What To Do** | Verify and sign confidently | Run full checklist first | Research extensively before committing | Run full checklist first | ---
**What to Read Next** - [Houston Neighborhoods Guide 2026 →] - [Houston Renter Rights & Tenant Protections →] - [Houston Moving Guide: What Nobody Tells You →] - [Houston Apartment Application Checklist →] - [Texas Electricity Deregulation Guide for New Renters →] - [Medical Center Apartment Guide for Fellows & Travel Nurses →] ---
**Key Resources by Category** **Official Flood Data** - FEMA Map Service Center — msc.fema.gov - Harris County FEMT — harriscountyfemt.org - Harris County Flood Control District — hcfcd.org **Property Research** - Harris County Appraisal District (permits + history) — hcad.org - Texas Department of Insurance (flood coverage) — tdi.texas.gov **Insurance** - NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) — floodsmart.gov - Texas Windstorm Insurance Association — twia.org **HTXapt Tools** - Flood-safe verified listings — htxapt.com/flood-safe - Direct shortlist: DM "FLOOD" on Instagram or WhatsApp ---
**HTXapt Verified Flood-Safe Picks** *[Curated apartment highlights — pulled from HTXapt database, filtered to Zone X, zero Harvey history, currently available]* Featured neighborhoods: The Heights, Upper Kirby, Midtown, EaDo Price range: $1,100–$2,400/month (1BR–2BR) All listings include: FEMA zone confirmation, Harvey history status, furnished options where available ---
**Quick Flood Reference — Houston Neighborhoods at a Glance** | Neighborhood | Risk | Zone | Harvey | Furnished Available | Avg 1BR | |-------------|------|------|--------|--------------------|---------| | The Heights | Very Low | X | Clean | Yes | $1,250 | | Upper Kirby | Low | X | Clean | Yes | $1,450 | | Midtown | Low | X | Clean | Yes | $1,350 | | EaDo | Low | X | Clean | Yes | $1,200 | | Rice Military | Low | X | Clean | Limited | $1,400 | | Montrose | Moderate | Mixed | Check | Yes | $1,300 | | Museum District | Moderate | Mixed | Check | Limited | $1,500 | | Meyerland | High | AE | Significant | Available | $1,100 | | Bellaire | High | AE | Significant | Limited | $1,200 | ---
**Text + Map: How to Read a FEMA Flood Map** **LEFT — Instructions:** Reading a FEMA flood map is straightforward once you know what the colors mean. The map uses flood zone designations assigned by FEMA based on historical flood modeling. Your goal is Zone X — shown in white or light shading on most FEMA maps. This means you are outside the 500-year floodplain and carry minimal flood risk. Zone AE appears in darker blue or orange depending on the map version. This is the high-risk designation — the 100-year floodplain, where there is a 1% chance of flooding in any given year (which adds up to a 26% chance over a 30-year mortgage). When you look up an address on msc.fema.gov, the tool will drop a pin and display the zone designation directly. Screenshot it for your records. **RIGHT — Map Visual:** *[FEMA map legend visual with Houston example address shown — Zone X highlighted in green, Zone AE in amber, bayou overlay in blue]* ---
**We Check the Flood Zones For You** Every property on HTXapt's verified shortlist has been screened against FEMA flood zone maps and Harris County Harvey flood extent data before it ever appears on our platform. If it is on our list, it passed. If you want a shortlist of flood-safe Houston apartments matched to your budget, move-in timeline, and preferred neighborhood — we have that ready. **DM us "FLOOD" on Instagram or WhatsApp — we will send you a verified shortlist within 24 hours. Free. No pressure.** → htxapt.com ---
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**Houston Flooding — By the Numbers** | Stat | Value | |------|-------| | Harvey homes flooded | 154,000+ | | Harvey total damage | $125 billion | | Houston annual rainfall | 50+ inches | | FEMA flood maps updated | Continuously | | HTXapt flood check turnaround | 24 hours | | Zone X vs AE rent difference | Typically 5-15% | | Flood insurance cost (Zone X) | $100–$200/year |

Houston Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston flooding really that bad?

Yes — but it is manageable if you know where to look. Houston receives 50+ inches of rainfall annually and sits on flat coastal prairie with limited natural drainage. However, many neighborhoods have excellent flood infrastructure and zero Harvey impact. The key is checking before you sign, not avoiding Houston altogether.

Does Zone X mean I will never flood?

Zone X means minimal risk — you are outside the 500-year floodplain. Harvey was so extreme it caused some Zone X flooding too. But Zone X is significantly safer than Zone AE, and HTXapt only recommends Zone X properties for renters without prior Houston experience.

Does my landlord have to tell me if the unit flooded?

Texas law requires disclosure of flooding in the past 5 years, but enforcement is inconsistent. Always ask in writing: "Has this unit flooded in the past 5 years, including during Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda?" Document the response.

Do I need flood insurance as a renter?

Standard renters insurance does NOT cover flood damage. You need a separate flood rider or NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) policy. If you are in Zone AE, this is not optional — get it. Even in Zone X, it is worth the $100-200/year for peace of mind.

What is the difference between the FEMA map and the Harris County FEMT tool?

The FEMA map shows your official flood zone designation (Zone X, AE, etc.) based on modeling. The Harris County FEMT (harriscountyfemt.org) shows actual Harvey flood extent — where water actually went in 2017. Use both. A property can be Zone X but still appear on the Harvey flood map if the storm exceeded the model.

How does HTXapt screen for flood risk?

Every property on our verified shortlist has been checked against both FEMA flood zone maps and Harris County Harvey flood extent data. We only list Zone X properties, and we flag any building within 1,000 feet of a major bayou regardless of official zone designation.

Itinerary

  • Look up the exact address on msc.fema.gov — confirm Zone X
  • Search the address on harriscountyfemt.org — confirm no Harvey flooding
  • Check HCAD (hcad.org) for recent renovation permits (post-2017 work is a flag to ask about)
  • Note proximity to Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, White Oak Bayou, Sims Bayou on Google Maps
  • Ask: "Did this unit or building flood during Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda?"
  • Ask: "Has there been any water intrusion or flooding in the past 5 years?"
  • Look for: Fresh flooring, new drywall seams, new baseboards with no renovation context
  • Look for: High-water marks on exterior walls, rust stains on HVAC/mechanical equipment
  • Request flood disclosure in writing from the landlord
  • Confirm FEMA flood zone in writing (ask landlord to confirm Zone X designation)
  • Get renters insurance quote WITH flood rider — budget $100-200/year extra
  • Confirm HTXapt flood-safe verification if using our shortlist
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Houston, Apartment Hunting, Neighborhood Guide

**Flood risk is the disclosure landlords bury deepest.** It's not the only one — see 3 things Houston apartment listings hide.
**Next in your apartment search:** see The Houston Apartment Move-In Checklist — Everything to Do Before You Sign and After You Get Keys.

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