Fire Destroys Tenant's Apartment and Primary Residence

6/23/2018 (Permalink)

Apartment fire damages entire home.

When you have a tenant in a basement or attached apartment, make sure that you have ample and proper fire safety detection equipment - namely, smoke detectors throughout your unit and theirs. 

Luckily in this fire no one was injured, but the apartment as you see was a total loss, the contents were destroyed.  The source of this fire is under investigation but originated in the apartment.  However, the smoke damage permeated the owner unit as well, which had extensive amounts of antiques and collectibles, the owner's business.  The entire home had to undergo restoration.

As a homeowner and landlord safe egress, properly maintained utilities, and fire detection equipment is a primary responsibility.

As a tenant, you should make sure smoke detectors are present, know your egress escape points, and make sure that you create no potential fire hazards.  Additionally, make sure you have renter’s insurance with fire coverage, don't expect the homeowner's insurance to cover your own belongings.

Fire Safety Week is in October, but it is never too soon to do a fire safety check in your own home!