But will your renters insurance cover you if you accidentally set fire to your apartment? In short, yes. Renters insurance is designed to cover your personal belongings from loss or damage due to fire, lightning, smoke, theft, vandalism and more.

What is fire damage legal liability?

Fire Legal Liability Coverage — coverage of a tenant’s liability for damage by fire to the rented premises (including garages) the tenant occupies; such coverage is usually provided as an exception to policy exclusions applicable to property in the insured’s care, custody, or control (CCC).

Will liability insurance cover a fire?

For the business owner, fire damage legal liability is included under their commercial general liability policy. However, in order for the insurance policy to pay for fire-related damages, it must be proven that the insured party was directly at fault.

Can a tenant sue a landlord for a fire?

Landlord’s Responsibilities. The simple fact that a fire occurred is not adequate grounds for a lawsuit, and tenants can sue their landlords for damages that the tenants incur as a result of fires. For example, if your landlord knew there was a gas leak and did not fix it, or left hazardous chemicals at your home, this could be negligence.

Who is liable for damage caused by a fire?

If the tenant’s own negligence was the cause of the fire, then the tenant would ultimately be liable for any damage that is not covered by your policy, such as the deductible. The tenant may also be liable for any increase in your premiums as a result of the fire.

How does a fire affect the tenancy of a property?

Unless a landlord can prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the tenant was responsible for the fire, the landlord must make repairs. However, a tenant has the obligation to repair damage to the property caused by his or her own “want of ordinary care.” The tenant has a duty to cooperate with the landlord’s repair efforts.

Who is responsible for a fire caused by a landlord?

If a fire is caused by a landlord’s negligence, the landlord may be liable for the tenant’s inconvenience, lost wages, damaged personal property, and lost perishable food. A tenant who causes a fire may be responsible to the landlord for amounts in addition to rental payments.