A Landlord’s Guide to an Apartment Fire

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Mesa, AZ.

A fire in your Mesa, AZ, apartment building is an event that causes panic and confusion for you as well as tenants. There are many questions about rebuilding and who is responsible for the losses and cost of cleanup. The following steps will help guide you through the process of rebuilding after your apartment fire.

Rebuilding after your appartment fire

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

The immediate first step to take is to call your insurance company. You need to file a claim and get details about exactly what your policy covers. You will likely be dealing with upset tenants, some who may not have renter’s insurance, and they will have questions about whether your insurance covers fire damage related to their property. Unfortunately, a landlord’s insurance policy won’t cover tenant possessions, so they should be directed to contact their own insurance agent or the Red Cross, if needed.

2. Obtain Detailed Information on Fire Cause

Stay in contact with the fire department or investigators, and interview all tenants. The cause of the apartment fire is important for insurance purposes, possible criminal prosecution and preventing future problems. If you find any new information related to its cause, contact the fire investigator and your insurance agent immediately. If a tenant has directly caused the fire, your insurance company will be able to work with you to obtain payment from that resident.

3. Call a Restoration Company

It’s important to contact a competent fire restoration company. They will know the best way to salvage items, limit further damage and contact companies who can start rebuilding quickly. They also can help you navigate the insurance company and its role in paying for repairs. It’s important to contact professionals, as a fire causes damage to a building’s structure and is a huge liability if not repaired correctly.
An apartment fire is an unforeseen event that can seem overwhelming. However, if you contact your insurance company and a professional fire restoration team, they will help you manage the process and rebuild. It will leave your Mesa, AZ, property “Like it never even happened."