House fire, what next?
Yesterday an electrical appliance in the unit below mine caught fire, which then caused the wall between my kitchen and bathroom to do so also. The fire department removed the wall, and filled the space with water (they did an awesome job). I do not have contents insurance. My landlord has insurance on the building, which will cover the structural repairs, but my concern is for my personal items - clothing, furniture, drapery, kids toys etc. which are now smoke damaged.
Since the fire started in the unit below me, and was no fault of my own, do I have legal recourse to pursue the manufacturer of the appliance, other tenants insurance, or landlord's insurance? I am not looking to 'get rich' but to have a nominal amount provided to cover the items damaged through no fault of my own.
I am in Ontario.
Thank you in advance,
J
Posted Mar 4, 2020, 5:27 PM UTC · edited
It's always a mistake not to have tenant insurance. You can sue the tenant where the damage started and their insurance will step in fight you and/or deal with the claim. If they don't have insurance either they may end up bankrupt so that could dead end on you.
They do have insurance. Are they liable? It was a bathroom exhaust fan which was in the unit when they moved in.
Probably not then.
In that case you'd have to go after the building who may or may not be responsible. A lot of Ontario leases require you to have tenant insurance. If you don't have it and that was in your lease you will be penalized for not minimizing your damages.