Fire in my landlord's house, I may be liable, what do I do?

[kevin143]

I'm in Pennsylvania. Two days ago there was a fire in my landlords house, making the house uninhabitable with minimum damage to personal property. It was most likely started by incense that I lit. It was ruled accidental by the fire investigator, though I am not sure if it was "negligent" accidental. The lease states that the tenants are responsible for damage caused by negligence.

Also, the landlord responded by changing the locks on us, and I believe illegally evicting us. In PA he needs a court order to evict which takes a minimum of 10 days, I think. He gives us access to remove our stuff at his convenience and he stays for this. The lease states that after damage that makes the property uninhabitable, the tenants move out, notify the landlord within 24 hours and the lease is terminated, with the landlord refunding any partial month's rent.

I know the personal property in my rental house l was covered under my parent's homeowners insurance but I'm not sure if it includes civil liability. Is that standard in homeowner's insurance? What should I do from here? How likely is my landlord or my landlord's insurance company to sue me? How much could I be liable for, if it was a negligent accident?

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[tammy8]

How old are you? What makes you think that your parent' s homeowners insurance covers YOUR property?

 

[kevin143]

I'm a 21 year old student and declared a dependent of them -- I had things stolen from me last year, and my parent's homeowners insurance covered it.

 

[kevin143]

Stolen from me in a rented house, to clarify.

 

[moburkes]

You'll need to contact your insurance company, and ask. Your situation is gray, because, depending upon your EXACT living situation, they are not required to cover you. For example, if you lived in a dorm, more than likely YES, but in an apartment, it depends upon your policy, and your student status (full time/part time/etc).

 

[tammy8]

You should have had your own renters policy. If you do file this claim, I see cancelation in your parent's future.

 

[xylene]

You should have had your own renters policy. If you do file this claim, I see cancelation in your parent's future.

I don't think this tenant is asking about his claim, he is asking if he is protected from his landlords possible lawsuit.

Again, only matters your family's insurer can answer.

I AM VERY sure thorusands of dollars in liability that may be covered by the insurance is well worth the prospect of cancelation.