We had a fire in one of units. What’s the next step?

Q. We had a fire in one of units. What’s the next step?

A. Remember: You can have an independent public appraiser (must have ACV [actual cash value] policy) – separate from your insurance company – appraise the damage.

Remember: that soot is incredibly greasy and smears everywhere do not get it wet because it can etch certain surfaces - it’s simply impossible to clean completely.

…and now on to the recovery effort!

1. Get a copy of the fire report from the Fire Marshall and ensure that the documentation is correct.

2. Get a notebook to record every detail – conversations, observations, and make sure that you take pictures of everything – nothing is too insignificant to photograph or  record in your notebook. Also, keep track of any receipts.

3. Do NOT begin any work until the claim has been settled.

4. Have the tenant get everything out of the unit and have it professionally cleaned otherwise the items will contaminate the unit. If your tenant has renter’s insurance, their underwriters can handle the cost of this coverage.

5. All food must be disposed of – including canned items – the heat from the fire compromises the canned goods.

Good Luck!

(For smaller fires, use chemical sponges, Greased Lightening or other good cleaner, Kilz, then paint. Make sure that you clean your vents as well. Furniture treatment can be handled by a cleanup & recovery specialist with ozone treatment.)

Tenants has Died

Q: You get a call that one of your tenants has died. Who is the next person you call.
 
 A: The coroner. With a deceased tenant, the coroner must be called and a police report made out. From this point you are responsible for securing the tenants property — no other person gets in (except for emergency repairs) that doesn’t have a court order. It is recommended that you consult a lawyer for your exact circumstances.

Air Conditioning Legal Requirements

Q: Is there a legal requirement for a landlord to provide air conditioning for their tenants?
 
 A: No, however in certain hot and steamy parts of the country, you had better offer something if you want tenants in your units. Remember, if the AC was working when your tenant signed the lease, you must maintain the AC in working order.

Guest is Injured

Q: If a tenant has a party and a guest is injured slipping on some broken porch steps. The tenant had notified the landlord of the broken porch steps but the landlord failed to remedy the situation. The injured guest decides to sue the landlord for injuries. Is the landlord liable for damages?
 
 A: Yes. The property belongs to the landlord and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the property. If the tenant had not notified the landlord of the broken porch steps, the landlord would still be liable for damages. The insurance policy on the property should cover the legal losses in the suit; however it will NOT pay for the repairs to the property.