Arson in house we rented.

SensitiveSoul_2

We were not in and there is lots of smoke damage to inside of property.
What happens next? Who is responsible for the clean up etc...

clutton_2

if you have reported it to the police and you have a crime number the landlords insurance should pay for the redecoration and replacement of landlords contents, (if he makes a claim) but not your possessions as it is assumed you have your own insurance. Contact your landlord immediately

SensitiveSoul_2

Thank you for that info Clutton We have a ref no for crime and the LL has been informed by us. We are giving notice as we don't feel secure there. The LL is saying we are responsible for clean up? Surely it will be covered on their insurance? all of our belongings are okay just more dirty dues to smoke.

G_M

Landlord is responsible for providing you with accomodation So
a) he will need to repair/redecorate to bring the property back to the condition you contracted to rent from him (either at his personal cost or through his insurance: not your problem
b) if the property is not fit to live in pending repairs, he will have to provide you alternative accomodation: again either at his cost or through his insurance. This could be another property he owns, a property he rents and sublets to you or, if necessasry, a hotel
c) he is NOT responsible for your possessions - that's your problem, unless you have personal insurance

Good luck.

SensitiveSoul_2

Thankyou too GM that is an excellent point regarding accomodation. We are actually have somewhere to stay but that is not the point. I am beginning to wonder if the LL is insured even? I cannot imagine why the insurance would not cover the redecoration and clean up otherwise?

G_M

Not all LLs have insurance. Some have buildings only insurance (so contents like the fridge/furniture not covered). Some have insurance but neglect to inform the insurer the property is rented out, so the insurance is invalid.
Not your problem.

SensitiveSoul_2

Thanks. Will let you know how this goes.

bitsandpieces

G_M wrote: »

Not all LLs have insurance. Some have buildings only insurance (so contents like the fridge/furniture not covered). Some have insurance but neglect to inform the insurer the property is rented out, so the insurance is invalid.
Not your problem.

Some might hope it's cheaper to get the tenant to fix things than to pay an insurance excess :mad: Anyway, not your problem - and, as you're moving anyway, LL can't exactly get back at you by serving notice.

As far as who's responsible for the clean up, am I right in thinking the tenant might have been responsible if they were clearly negligent? Sure you weren't, just asking out of interest.

SensitiveSoul_2

Nope has been investigated. It was something posted through the letterbox.

SensitiveSoul_2

Managed to talk to letting agent today and they have never had this happen before. The LL had a meeting with them yesterday and they say we have done a bunk! The agent has seen the property and understands we can't live there at the moment. We have mentioned that the LL with the reference code can claim on the insurance and deal with it. The Letting agent could see that and now he is contacting the LL. Lets hope this can be sorted.

clutton_2

you will need to formally end the tenancy early in writing - make sure you write a statement saying that you are leaving early, with their permission, due to fire causing the house to be uninhabitable, and that no further demands for rent or cleaning or repairs will be made upon you by either the LA or LL - get them to sign it - otherwise a poor landlord might want to come after you for rent.....