Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Our apartment building has caught on fire on December 26. It was a three-story building and we lived on the third floor. The fire happened on the second floor, and my husband was actually the one who discovered the fire since no one was in the 2nd floor apartment when it happened. We do not have renter's insurance, but since the fire wasn't caused by us. We have smoke damages in our apartment, and we cannot live in the apartment going to a month now. We are currently living in two places. I have three children who are going through post traumatic stress due to the incident. Do we have a case against the landlord who was claiming insurance for the fire damage? The landlord originally offered us a place to live in then decided not to give it to us after learning that it would take about six months or more to process insurance and construction of the building. Please help. I do not know what to do anymore.


Asked on 1/28/10, 6:42 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Q. Do we have a case against the landlord who was claiming insurance for the fire damage?

A. Probably since there was no alarm and the fire was discovered by your husband.

Maybe you should find a new place to live, and sue the landlord for the difference in the rent, together with any loss from smoke damage.

Mike.

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Answered on 2/03/10, 5:48 am
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

You would likely have a viable action against the landlord. We have substantial experience handling these types of cases, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

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STEVEN J. CZIK, P.C.

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The information provided by The Law Offices of Steven J. Czik, P.C. (LOSJC) is for general educational purposes only. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this communication and no privilege attaches to such communication. LOSJC is not taking and will not take any action on your behalf and will not be considered your attorney until both you and LOSJC have signed a written retainer agreement. There are strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, within which claims or lawsuits must be filed. Therefore, if you desire the services of an attorney and decide not to retain LOSJC on terms acceptable to LOSJC, you are advised to immediately seek the services of another attorney.

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Answered on 2/05/10, 9:13 am


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