Fire Damage in MN Rental Properties: What Tenants & Landlords Should Know
When a fire breaks out in a rental property in the Twin Cities, it can result in a major upheaval for both the landlord and the tenants. Unless the fire is contained almost immediately, there is likely to be severe fire damage that can render an apartment, condo or rental home temporarily uninhabitable.
In the aftermath of fire damage, there are some things that landlords and tenants should know, and some things they will both need to do promptly. Continue reading to learn more about tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities after a fire in a rental property.
What Tenants Should Know & Do After a Fire
If you’re a tenant in a Twin Cities rental apartment or home that experiences fire damage, take these steps:
1. Prioritize Safety
If a fire breaks out while you’re inside your rental property, evacuate with your family or roommates immediately. Remember that even a small blaze can quickly grow out of control and threaten lives. Once you’ve safely exited the building, call the fire department immediately. The next call you make should be to your landlord to inform them of the fire so they can take their own next steps. Do not re-enter your rental property unless the firefighters have declared it safe to do so.
2. Contact Renters Insurance
When a rental property suffers fire damage, it’s best for tenants to contact their renters insurance provider about coverage for any personal belongings lost in the fire. Document the damage with photos and written records to make the claims approval process easier. Remember that the landlord’s insurance typically does not cover tenant belongings. If you need to move into temporary housing while your fire-damaged rental unit is being repaired, this is also something you can ask your renters insurance company about.
3. Understand Lease Obligations
In cases where fire damage is so severe that you’re forced to vacate your rental home, condo or apartment, this can affect the lease you signed with your landlord. Under Minnesota state law, landlords are required to keep their properties fit for habitation. If a unit becomes uninhabitable due to fire damage, a tenant may pause rent payments or terminate the lease, depending on specific lease terms and state statutes.
Landlords’ Responsibilities for Fire Damaged Rental Properties
If you’re a landlord in the Twin Cities who owns a rental property that has been damaged by a fire, you should prioritize the following:
1. Make Sure Tenants are Safe & Cooperate with Officials
Upon learning of a fire at your Minnesota rental property, your first priority should be to ensure that all tenants are safely evacuated and the fire department comes to suppress the inferno. From here, landlords should cooperate with the fire department and any inspectors that arrive in the days that follow. This is standard procedure; give them copies of any requested documentation proving your compliance with state and local fire codes.
2. Contact Insurance & Secure Property
Immediately after making sure a fire-damaged rental property has been safely evacuated, a landlord should file a claim for structural damage with their insurance provider. If the fire was caused by faulty wiring or structural issues, the landlord’s insurance generally covers it. You’ll need to work with insurance adjusters to determine coverage for repairs or rebuilding of fire-damaged units. In the meantime, board up windows, secure doors, and take any other steps to prevent further property damage or vandalism.
3. Address Lease Issues
It’s important for a landlord to stay in regular communication with their tenants after a rental apartment or home sustains fire damage. Address any lease issues with tenants – clearly and in writing. Minnesota state law (Minn. Stat. § 504B.161) mandates that landlords are legally required to keep rental units fit to live in. If your rental property has become temporarily uninhabitable due to fire damage, you may need to pause or temporarily reduce rent payments, and you may be legally required to release tenants from their lease. It’s recommended that landlords consult an attorney about their lease obligations for a fire-damaged property.
4. Schedule Fire Damage Restoration
For the sake of both protecting your investment and allowing your tenants to resume their normal lives, it’s crucial to have a fire-damaged rental property repaired as soon as possible. Contact a licensed fire damage restoration contractor in the Twin Cities metro to make all necessary repairs to the structure. Be certain that all building code requirements are met before allowing tenants to move back in or re-renting.
Reliable Fire Damage Restoration Contractor in the Twin Cities
If you’re looking for an IICRC-certified fire damage restoration company to help restore your rental property, look no further than Arko Restoration. To schedule fire damage restoration services in the greater Twin Cities area, give us a call today!