Flat fire can i claim?

[bpoolmecca]

An employee of ours rented a flat.There was a fire above him consequently he lost a lot of property thro smoke and water damage.He had no contents insurance though of course his landlord had buildings cover.Can he claim against the landlord?

[redcrx]

he should try.

[TonyV]

If it was in a another flat above his, suggest he persues that tenant / their insurance company

[TonyV]

meant to say as well

[bpoolmecca]

the tennents above were here illegally!

[redcrx]

is the building insurer making a payout? If they are then get their details and try and make a claim. If they refuse, well thats one way of finding out how important it is to have your own insurance

[wishy123]

It's unlikely he can claim against the landlord unless the fire was caused by some faulty wiring etc which would be the landlord's responsibility. Even if the tenants above were there illegally, the landlord would not be liable for the damage unless he has done something wrong that has caused the fire. Claim against tenants above is more likely but from what you say I doubt they will be insured against any liability. Does your employee know what caused the fire?

[JackDanielsU]

He had no contents insurance? - then hes a fool.
He'll be able to get the flat sorted through the buildings insurance, and that may cover a small amount of contents insurance that would be classified as the landlords (carpets etc) - any of his contents - tv, clothes etc - will be hard to try and claim on

[Buenchico]

If the fire occurred through the negligence of another person, he can claim against that person.

e.g. if the landlord failed to ensure that the property's wiring was in good condition, he can claim against the landlord. Or, of the person in the upper flat left a chip pan unattended, he can claim against that person. (In either case, the negligent person can pas the claim to their insurer - if any - under their 'third party' cover. If they've got no such insurance cover, they will be personally liable).

Chris

[wishy123]

Chris, isn't that what I said?

[bennhoughton]

You may be able to make a case in that the landlord was negligent in letting the tenants live there illegally....

I'd have a word with some solicitors and see what they say...depends on how much you want to maintain the relationship with your existing landlord too

[bpoolmecca]

thanks every one will pass on your tips