Fire....

[Meg K.]

Hi,

The tenant caused a fire in the kitchen.  Thankfully no one was hurt and the house is still standing.  After all, i live downstairs.  My question is, who is responsible for the damage?  My insurance deductible is $2,500 and i've tried lowering it but you know insurance companies: 1) you can't lower it for at least 3 yrs after filing a claim 2) you can't lower it if you are about to file a claim.  This is the same high maintenance tenant i discussed in my previous forum.  Karma is a B....right?  Seriously, this was a scary experience considering i was out of town.  I just returned today and have yet to go upstairs and assess the damage.

Thanks, Meg

[Amy E.]

It seems as if you have unrealistic expectations.  Your insurance will not lower the deductible right before you file a claim....that you expect them to is a bit absurd.  If you wanted a lower deductible  you should have  gotten  that taken care of prior to leasing the property, and expect to pay higher  premiums when you do.

You still have not mentioned what your lease actually says.  For all we know it says landlord to pay all damages and send tenant to a spa for the stress of it all.......we cannot tell you who pays until you tell us what  your  lease  says.  My lease states that tenant is responsible for tenant caused damages.  What did you put in your lease?

The damage you described may be easily fixable for less than 2500 if all it is is a couple  new cabinets and some paint.