What to Do If Your Tenant Accidentally Starts a Fire?

The glitzy resort city of Las Vegas is famed for all it offers in entertainment, shopping, nightlife, and, of course, gambling. Hence, renting a property here can be quite lucrative for you as a landlord. However, an apartment complex Las Vegas fire started accidentally by a tenant can have a disastrous impact in terms of property damage, lives lost, physical injuries, and financial losses. Tenants might have to move out temporarily, and finding alternate accommodation can be challenging. 

Most importantly, since no one can predict such accidents, you must know what to do as the property owner after an unintentional fire. So, keep this guide handy. 

Possible Reasons behind the Fire

In case the apartment on fire caused unintentionally, one of the following situations is generally the reason: 

• Malfunctioning of electrical appliances
• Mishaps during cooking
• Improper use of heating elements
• Arson
• Carelessness with open flames
• Risky smoking habits 

If you have homeowner’s insurance, it can cover damages caused to the property’s structure or associated buildings like sheds or garages. However, if you don’t have the same, you cannot pay for repairs with the security deposit from a tenant. 

What Is Covered by Landlord’s Insurance? 

If the apartment’s fire is accidental, your insurance can financially cover several things. Though this might vary based on a specific policy’s terms and conditions, you can expect coverage for:

• Replacement of furnishings, appliances, and similar personal property
• Reconstruction of the property
• Repair of water and smoke-related damages 
• Compensation for rental income loss
• Medical and legal expenses 

You might have to shell out a deductible first. 

What can Renter’s Insurance Do? 

An accidental fire in apartment can damage furniture, clothes, and electronic items that belong to the tenant. If they have renter’s insurance, the insurer can pay for the same. Such insurance can also offer protection if someone visiting the tenant gets injured in the fire. Some policies might offer financial cover so the tenant can stay at another place or book a hotel room until your property’s repairs are done. This means renter’s insurance can lower your financial burden as a landlord in case of an apartment building fire in Las Vegas. 

Things to Do as a Landlord Post an Accidental Fire

An accidental fire caused by tenants requires you to take some essential steps at the earliest: 

• Focus on Security: Do everything to prevent further damage. Call the fire department immediately and check if the tenant and others affected are safe or injured. Call an ambulance if necessary and make sure everyone evacuates the place.   

• Document the Damage: In an apartment complex Las Vegas fire, it is crucial to photograph all affected parts of the property, on the inside and outside. Take videos if required. These will serve as proof if you have to seek legal counsel or file an insurance claim. The fire department will also prepare and share a report of the incident detailing its cause, the extent of damage, actions taken, and any other relevant observations. Review the report and note the cause mentioned. 

• Intimate the Insurance Company: Both you and the tenant must inform your respective insurers about the fire. Supply them with all the details of the incident, along with the photos, videos, and fire department report. Ensure the companies have a clear idea about the fire's cause and the degree of damage. Then, file a claim as per the insurer’s instructions. 

• Obtain Repair Estimates: Get in touch with contractors who can carry out necessary repairs and replacements for fire in apartments. Research multiple restoration companies and obtain quotes from them for comparison. Experts can assess the damage’s extent and give you an idea of how much it will cost to get the property back in shape and make it habitable. 

• Talk to the Responsible Tenant: In case of an apartment building fire in Las Vegas, discuss your legal and financial consequences and responsibilities. You might need to decide who is more liable and how the coverage of both your policies can pay for the property’s restoration. Record or document your conversation with the tenant so both of you follow through with your promises. Involve an attorney if need be. 

• Review the Rental Agreement: Check the lease agreement to understand the terms associated with damages caused by a tenant. You will know if the tenant has violated the contract in any way, which has led to the fire and consequential damage. It can also clarify your legal rights and any compensation you are eligible for and offer guidance on revising lease terms for the future. 

• Get the Property Restored: Repair and restore the property after initiating insurance claims and obtaining essential approvals. You might need to coordinate and negotiate with multiple contractors for this. Opt for professional, reliable, and reputed contractors, and apply for necessary permits. It would be best to abide by the local building regulations and codes. 

• Help Tenants Secure New Accommodation: After an apartment complex in the Las Vegas fire, restoring the affected property might take some time. During this period, your tenants will need alternate housing. To help them, you can suggest short-term rental places or affordable hotels nearby. Community or emergency housing options might also be available. Until the tenant can return to the restored property, you may suspend rent payments or lower the same. If the concerned property is destroyed, you can draw up a new agreement for a different property. 

• Get the Restored Property Inspected: To minimize the possibility of an apartment’s fire incidents in the future, get the local fire department and relevant city officials to inspect the restored property thoroughly. They can issue a certificate that says your property is safe for habitation. It can instill trust in tenants and fix your image. 

Hire a Property Management Company for Peace of Mind 

By now, you know what to do as a landlord in case of an accidental fire caused by tenants. However, handling it all can be too much, especially if you live far from the rental property or are busy with your primary job. In such a scenario, an experienced rental property management company can help. So, contact Guardian Property Management and discuss the details of your rental business and find out what we can do in case of unexpected events or calamities. 

You can call us at 651-287-2011 or email info@guardianprop.com to schedule a consultation.