Fire at Duplex - What next ?

[Ashley Cao]

Hello!

Unfortunately there was a fire on one side of my duplex which have displaced one of my tenants. Everyone is safe fortunately.

The other side of the duplex did not have any damage aside from smoke entering their property. the fire department said they are clear to stay.

I have filed a claim with my insurance and am going to get the fire department report tomorrow. Root cause of the fire is still tbd but it might be electrical.

Meanwhile, I shared some temp housing options with the displaced tenants.

Here is what I am thinking as far as next steps, but wanted to get feedback on if I was missing something. Hoping someone can provide their expertise.

1. Talk to adjuster from insurance to understand next steps with them.

2. Send out a restoration contractor to assess the damage

3. Return prorated rent to displaced tenant along with security deposit

3a. I assume I still need to do a walk through to evaluate all non-fire damages? However, I ideally would like the displaced tenant to get back on their feet sooner, so anything I can do to help...

4. Document damaged items with notes, videos and pictures

5. Board up the property

5a. How will vendors / adjusters gain access ?

5b. Lock box on property ?

6. Call utilities to ensure they’re off?

Open questions:

*Other side seems to not have any damage aside from some smoke, however, I want to ensure safety of tenant what can I do to help ensure this?

*what kind of communication should I be sharing with displaced tenant?

*should I be concerned about water damage from the fire department ? How can I help mitigate this as things move forward?

*what other items do you suggest?

Thanks in advance !