Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri

I was a landlord in a property rental. The tenant burned down the house with a space heater that I supplied to him. This was brand new not even out of the box when I took this to him. We were having the furnace repaired in which would 2 days when the part came in on order. We were prompt with our repair. The tenant then proceeded to burn down the house 2 days later with the space heater. It was reported that this was the cause and there was no trace of the space heater by the Fire Inspector. The owner of the property sold this property because there was no insurance on the house at the time of fire. Basically, my question is the tenant keeps calling me, leaving messages about what they need for their insurance. He did not even call when the house burned. He had his ex call that was not even residing there. He never told us he was sorry or even spoke with us. We would like to put this all behind us, because it was a major lose to us. Do I have any rights about his ex or wife whoever she is harrassing me. I have been unemployed for 6 months and am finally going to work in November and December temporary. I do not have money for a lawyer am just requesting some information.


Asked on 10/30/09, 2:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

I am unsure what you ae asking and exactly how you figure in. Were you acting as a leasing agent for the owner of the house? If so, the former tenents questions should go to the owner or former owner. If you are both the owner and the landlord, then you may need to respond to the fomer tenents questions. In neither case are do you have to repond to the anyone other than rthe former tenant or their attorney. His ex wife or especially his ex girlfriend do not fall into that category. If the tenent had renters insurance, then his insurer would be the one calling.

Call the former tenant's ex and tell her that you have no information that you can give her, and ask her to stop calling you.

If this does not fit your situation, then perhaps you can repost with a clearer description of what you are looking for.

Good luck

Read more
Answered on 11/04/09, 4:48 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Missouri