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Fire! Now my roomates and I are out!

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K

Karmi

Guest
I would very much appreciate your feedback on this issue. I rent a 3 bedroom apartment in SF with two other roomates. Right before the holidays, our apartment had a contained
fire (cause still unknown, but probably electrical). The fire only did real damage to the living area, but the carpets and walls had smoke/water damage throughout the apartment. Initially (on December 20), we were told by the insurance inspector that the damages were just cosmetic and could be fixed in about 2-4 weeks. Now, we are being told by our landlord that it could take 3-6 months (with no start date yet--it has already been a month!!). We had to move every single item that we own out of there (including car for parking, furniture which we had to rent storage/movers for, etc.). We do not have renter insurance, so we lost many of our belongings. And now, none of us have a
place to live! We are living on couches of friends, searching every day in the newspaper, etc. for housing we can afford.
Our landlord still has not given us an accurate timeframe, and has requested we go through her insurance agent, who also does not inform us of anything or give us any
information (verbally or in writing). She has also declined helping us find a place to live, paying/helping with anything.To top it all off our mail is gone, nowhere to be found, and she has changed all locks for us to enter the property (and we still own belongings in it)..Any advice on this matter would be greatly helpful. Thanks!!

[This message has been edited by Karmi (edited January 26, 2000).]
 


S

Seminole

Guest
Although I am not a lawyer, I knew someone that had a similar situation. I advised him he should make it a matter of record by going to the courthouse and filing a complaint through the Consumer Mediation Board(may be under a different name where you live). It worked and it didn't cost him a dime. They, CMS, have you write out you grievance and a notice is sent to appropriate respondents of your action. Even if they dont respond to it, its a matter of record if you choose to file in Small Claims.
This will get their undivided attention for it is on file. Hope it helps you..
Seminole
 

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