Apartment fire. Eviction and other questions...

[yagi]

What is the name of your state? Washington State

First, this is what happened. My mother-in-law (not a tenant) was cooking in the kitchen and a grease fire broke out. Basically, it burnt part of the stove, burnt the ventilation system above the stove, the cardboards around it and had smoke damage around the kitchen, however, there was no structural damage to the building.

Basically, I know I am going to be liable for it, but I was more concerned about the note the apartment manager left me. This is what he left me on March 31st:

You are responsible for the damages caused by the fire to you apartment. We have taken photographs and estimate this to be in excess of $3,000. Please contact me by Monday, April 3rd with a detailed plan of how you will pay for the damages; otherwise you will be required to vacate the premises by Wednesday, April 5th. Please contact me or stop by the office on Monday, April 3rd.

So my first question is regarding the requirement of vacating the premises by April 5th. To me it seems slightly unreasonable to force me to 'vacate the premises' in 5 days regardless if I can come up with a detail payment plan. I was just wondering if the manager actually had a legal right to evict me within that time period.

My next question was about the estimate of damages. Do they have to show me any kind of proof of how much it is going to cost? If so, should I request to see some before I start arranging a payment plan? Also, if anyone could offer any advice it would be appreciated. And if anymore information is needed, let me know.

Wasn't sure where to post this so I also posted it in the Homeowners Insurance forum.

 

[FarmerJ]

did you have renters ins at the time this happened?, AND send your LL a letter certified mail that you expect to see copies of the invoices showing what they spent before you come to any settlement unless they would rather take you to court FIRST where they can also explain the improper notice.

 

[fairlight]

The landlord can't "estimate" the damages and expect you to pay based on the estimate. What he needs to do is to have professionals take a look at the effected areas and present HIM with an estimate. He could then use your security deposit to cover the cost and require additional payment for whatever wasn't covered by the deposit.

In order to evict you, he has to take you to court.

I would not only talk to him, but I would send him a letter via certified mail regarding your rights in the matter. Be civil but firm, especially on his claim that he can throw you out on April 5th.

Keep a written record if he makes further attempts at intimidation, which "Pay what I demand or you're out on the street" is.

Good luck, and please post the outcome.