Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Rental Property: Fire
Last week, the duplex in which i was living with my husband and 3 children....was destroyed by raging fire. My husband and two year old son, barely escaped with their lives. This fire leaves us with absolutely nothing.
I am grateful for the lives of my husband and son. We are together. Here we are, living in a motel, not sure how we will make it. Our last month rent was paid at the duplex, as well as a security deposit.
Rumors regarding the cause of the fire...are numerous. One of the rumors is that, the fire was smoking related because no other immediate cause had been found. Other rumors included...electrical- 3 units were on one meter. We were one of them.
Our landlord supposedly did not have proper permits, etc. These are still just rumors because no one will help me find the answers.
My husband received second degree burns and was hospitalized overnight. Our son was released after 4 hours with only scrapes and bruises from his flight out the window. My husband...may possibly have permanent lung damage.
We did not have renters insurence.
If the fire was electrical...and/or the dwelling was illegal, would our landlord be liable for the damage to us? There is so much more to tell....
Please help us....

Asked on 12/05/99, 3:08 am

Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

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Re: Rental Property: Fire

Maybe, maybe not. He would be responsible only if you can prove some neglect.

Answered on 12/06/99, 3:50 pm

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