Los Angeles, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: We had a tenant caused fire in oven. I have contacted insurance, and restorative service. What is my responsibility?

Tenant 1 pre-heated oven with a plastic cutting board. Did not smell the smoke or hear smoke alarm (said she doesn't smell well). Tenant 2 noticed and started yelling. Tenant 1 ran into the kitchen and her and friend took a hose to put out the fire. She also said that Tenant 2 left cutting board in oven. Tenant 2 said it is Tenant 1. Damaged has been mostly kitchen (with some in other places -but it doesn't smell bad)

My question is specific - do I need to "pay" Tenant 1 for alternative accommodation?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Likely not if it was their fault. However, if they are dislocated and it is due to your negligence or fault, you would need to pay for their relocation.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.