Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Rent deduction after a fire

Hi, the apartment next to us caught on fire and because the sprinkler system got activated in their apartment, our apartment got partially flooded as well. The management company is replacing the carpets, painting walls and all this time seven professional dryers and dehumidifiers are constantly running in our apartment. We did not have to move out, but there is a great deal of ''inconvenience'' during these couple of weeks. Even though the fire was not management company's fault, are tenants usually in such cases entitled to any kind of rent deduction? Thank you.


Asked on 12/31/07, 2:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Rent deduction after a fire

You can file a claim with the landlord and ask that if you pay the utilities, they at least cover those costs. They will turn it over to the insurance company, either theirs or the Tenant who had the fire's.

If you do not carry renters insurance, this is a reason to do so, as I am sure the Landlord or his insurance company will be seeking reimbursement from the Tenant and his insurance company.

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Answered on 12/31/07, 2:52 pm


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