I was renting a room out in California. I had no idea that you could have renters insurance for Renting a small space so I didn't have any. I believe that the landlord claimed all my stuff and In his insurance claim.The fire department said that the fire was accidental and that they do not have a source. I do know that the house had faulty wiring. Do I have a case? Also he did not report that he had renters

Not really, you had the right and ability to have your own insurance, also if you knew there was faulty wiring, when did you inform the landlord about it prior to the fire ?


There is no basis for a claim against the landlord.

What is your basis of liability? How did YOU know it had faulty wiring? Are you an electrician? Not reporting renters might have tax implications but not liability.

I say you have a case just by virtue of the fact that you lived there and didn't cause the fire. Sue in Small Claims.

I too think you might have a claim against the landlord depending on the worth of your loss. What do you estimate that to be? Be aware though that if you had lost things of value, then it should have been insured by you. Ignorance of that is no excuse. The landlord is not liable for your ignorance of your options or neglect to protect your possessions.

I don't see you recovering much if you recover anything.

When you sue you are claiming that someone is liable due to negligence on their part. Unless you can prove the landlord was aware of the faulty wiring and did nothing there is no negligence.

There is a twist to this that we need the answer to. You stated that the owner had claimed your things on their insurance. How do you know this? If that is true then the owner may owe you for that portion that was recovered from the insurance.