Tenant filing insurance claim for accident which didn't happen

[Kevin Donovan]

I have a tenant who rents a Single home and refused to heat the home during the winter.  He would use heat in only the bedrooms.  Pipes froze and burst in kitchen,  Plumber repaired the problem.  i told tenant he would need to pay for repairs because his negligence.  About 2 weeks after repair a 2 foot by 2 foot section of plaster fell in kitchen.  Tenants wife told me they were upstairs and heard the noise.  After all repairs were made in ceiling I received a letter from an attorney representing him.

1. He never was hit because he was upstairs when plaster fell

2. He was negligent in not using heat

3. Clear insurance fraud

4.  I have not responded to the attorney

I assume he will move out soon because month to month lease.

Anyone experience similar situations?  I don't plan on informing my insurance unless I get served with court papers.  Do state insurance fraud departments get involved in these situations?  Any suggestions? Thanks

[John T.]

It may be in your best interest to immediately turn the entire matter over to your insurance company.