For example, if someone is burning a candle in their house in a way that is unsafe and can lead to a fire, the right thing to do is tell them.

Scented candles work too, as well as a couple of potted (fake) plants on the countertops.

Such as: freezing pipes in the winter, overheating in the summer, tenant actions that endanger your property (such as cooking with BBQs indoors, using candles for light, use of extension cords from one dwelling to another and overloading of electrical circuits), humidity build up, garbage overflow and vermin that follow that, etc.

Should you always stay at home eating beans and rice and use candles and have no cable or furniture?

never. see the pics on my website.... put some towels,  candles,  seasonal signs,  a smelly filter in the furnace and drapes.  

no seriously by candle light, I haven't had the contractor come over and install the fusebox yet..."

Other than that, candles and stove heat are likely in your future.  

Also, looking for a contractor that is familiar with soot cleanup, which appears to be due to scented candles, oil plug-ins and/or grease fire.  

Your situation reminds me of Burning The Candle At Both Ends.

Of course, weighing litigation costs against the damages may lead you to conclude that the game is not worth the candle.