A month after historic rains caused flash flooding across the Lowcountry, families in Summerville, South Carolina, are still picking up the pieces. One local landlord and his tenants were hit especially hard, as several rental units were completely destroyed by the floodwaters.
A Former Tenant’s Emotional Loss
For former tenant Robert Lassen, the experience was heartbreaking. After a long workweek, he came home to find everything gone.
“You work all week and come home, and you have no home,” Lassen said.
His wife had called him in a panic during the flood. When he joined the call on FaceTime, he was shocked to see water up to her knees inside their home. The flood took everything, from furniture to memories—and tragically, even his family’s pet.
After the flood, the family had to stay in a hotel before they could find a new place to live. With little to their name, they had to start over from scratch.
“I had to get rid of my dogs. Because you can’t take them anywhere… Starting from the bottom again, you know, it’s different. It’s difficult,” he shared.
Thanks to a GoFundMe campaign created by his wife, the family received some financial support, which helped them get back on their feet. But despite the progress, Lassen says he’s reluctant to return.
“I don’t wanna put my family through that again.”
Landlord Facing Huge Repair Costs
Vernon Baer, the building’s landlord, is also dealing with major setbacks. His property took a huge hit, with water damage affecting multiple units.
“It’s still a whirlwind,” Baer said, as he surveyed the damage.
Having recently renovated the units before the flood, Baer is now starting over again. He estimates repairs could cost close to $100,000, with rising flooring costs adding to the financial stress.
“I’ve put two weeks of solid work out here, at the expense of my other business.”
Despite the hardship, Baer has shown compassion for his tenants. He’s:
Returned security deposits
Refunded August rent
Not charging rent for September or October
Each month without rent costs him about $3,300, yet Baer says he’s willing to take the loss if it means helping his tenants.
“Never rent out something that you wouldn’t be willing to live in yourself.”
Baer hopes some of his former tenants will return, though he understands the financial and emotional weight of starting over.
“I want them to feel like they have a home… whether it’s rented or owned.”
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
While many former tenants like Lassen are slowly rebuilding their lives, the emotional scars remain. For some, like Baer, it’s about taking things one day at a time.
“We’re gonna make it… Good Lord willing,” he said. “I’m truly blessed.”
The situation in Summerville is a powerful reminder of how unpredictable natural disasters can be—and how strong communities can become when people support each other in tough times.
