there was a fire in my apartment buliding on the 18th of novemeber. i just got an email tonight from my landlord and she says that since i dont have renters insurance, that i am obligated to do the clean up and i have to pay for the damages the firefighters made while taking care of the fire. can she do that? she also told me that i have to clean the walls with bleach and she would take care of the painting.
if anyone can help please do. i have already lost everything that i owned and if i am obligated to this then i am just not to sure what i am going to do im lucky to be alive only to have to deal with this. i live in chicago if that makes a difference, thank you
also the toaster must of shorted or it had to do with the outlet, either way i was not in the room
there was nothing in my toaster and i was not in the room, i had not used the thing for days, the police report said that it was electrical/accidental. i walked into a fire and there is going to be no investigation since she said she does not want to get her insurance involved. she also took a week to contact me
LoveyHowellIII
June 6, 2010 at 6:35 am
whethe it was the toaster or the outlet makes a big difference, find out the cause first, then if it is the outlet that is the landlords responsibility and contact a lawyer to turn the table around
Saiila
June 6, 2010 at 7:10 am
that’s terrible! i don’t know what you need to do, but i definitely hope everything works out for the best.
mz_medeiros
June 6, 2010 at 7:33 am
If you don’t have insurance there’s not much you can do.. plus the fire started in your place because of your toaster which kinda makes it your fault in a way.. sorry to say.. it’s always best to get renters insurance.. it’s more money out of your pocket but it’s safer in the long run.. I think the best thing to do is get some help from friends and family and just start fresh.. good luck..
Judy
June 6, 2010 at 7:56 am
It depends on how the fire started. If it was faulty wiring or something, then the landlord is responsible for cleanup and repairs. But if it was something you did, like a fire from the stove or a candle, then legally she can hold you responsible for all of the expenses, so if she’s offering to do the painting, she’s cutting you a break.
If you were toasting something in your toaster and left the room, and it caught fire, then you’d be responsible. From what you say, it was a lot more likely that it was the toaster or its contents than the outlet itself.
smokesdaherb
June 6, 2010 at 8:45 am
If u live in a rent home and it was burnd u dont have to pay renter inserence is for the things in your home the owner has to pay u can move out.
Karen
June 6, 2010 at 9:37 am
If you had a wild party and the guests damaged the apartment, you are still responsible for any damages to the apartment. If you have a copy of your lease, it usually does say so right in the lease, and mentions fire as well. If you don’t have a copy of the lease, you can ask the landlord for a copy.
BLUSKEYES
June 6, 2010 at 10:34 am
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY : )
doug4jets
June 6, 2010 at 10:59 am
renter’s insurance would cover your belongings
your landlord should have fire insurance to cover umm fire damage.
i’d tell her to eff off.