California Renters Fire Damage Attorney
You don't own the building, but you own your rights. Renters have the same legal protections as homeowners after a California wildfire.
Renters Have Full Legal Rights After a Wildfire
If you lost your belongings in a California wildfire, don't assume you have no recourse because you're a renter. Renters have the exact same legal rights as homeowners to pursue compensation from the parties responsible for causing the fire—whether that's a utility company, government agency, or other negligent party.
At the Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene, we've helped hundreds of renters recover full compensation for their fire losses. You don't need renters insurance. You don't need to own property. You just need to have suffered losses in a fire caused by someone else's negligence.
What Compensation Can Renters Recover?
Renters affected by California wildfires can recover substantial compensation, including:
Personal Property
Full replacement value of all destroyed belongings: furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, jewelry, artwork, documents, sports equipment, musical instruments, and everything else you owned.
Temporary Housing
Hotel costs, temporary apartment rent, and all associated relocation expenses while you find new permanent housing. This includes the difference between your old rent and new rent if market conditions have changed.
Additional Living Expenses
Increased meal costs, storage fees, pet boarding, laundry services, transportation, and all other expenses above your normal living costs during displacement.
Lost Wages
If the fire or evacuation caused you to miss work, lose clients, or affected your ability to earn income, you can recover those lost earnings.
Emotional Distress
The trauma, anxiety, depression, and psychological impact of losing your home and belongings. This is often a significant portion of renter claims.
Medical Expenses
Treatment for smoke inhalation, burns, injuries during evacuation, and ongoing health issues related to the fire.
Do I Need Renters Insurance to File a Claim?
No. You do NOT need renters insurance to file a lawsuit against SCE, LADWP, or any other party responsible for causing the wildfire. Your right to sue is completely independent of whether you have insurance.
However, if you DO have renters insurance, you may be able to collect from both sources:
- Renters insurance: Pays for personal property and temporary housing up to policy limits
- Lawsuit against responsible party: Recovers damages beyond insurance limits, plus emotional distress, lost wages, and other compensation not covered by insurance
We help renters maximize recovery from ALL available sources.
Who Can Renters Sue for Fire Damage?
Renters can sue the same parties as homeowners:
- Utility companies - SCE, LADWP, PG&E if their equipment caused the fire
- Government agencies - If negligence in fire prevention or response worsened the damage
- Landlords - In some cases, if negligent maintenance contributed to fire damage
- Other property owners - If their negligence started or spread the fire
Under California's inverse condemnation law, utilities are strictly liable for fire damage caused by their equipment. You don't need to prove they were negligent—just that their equipment was involved in causing the fire.
Deadlines for Renters Fire Claims
CRITICAL DEADLINES:
- Lawsuit against utilities: Generally 2 years from the fire
- Government claims (LADWP, City): Must be filed within 6 months of the fire
- Renters insurance claims: Follow your policy's notification requirements
Don't wait. Contact an attorney now to protect your rights.
Renters Affected by the 2025 Fires
If you were renting in any of these areas during the January 2025 fires, you may have a claim:
- Eaton Fire zone: Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and surrounding areas
- Palisades Fire zone: Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Topanga, Brentwood
- Hurst Fire zone: Sylmar, San Fernando Valley
We represent renters throughout Los Angeles County and all of California. Contact us for a free evaluation of your claim.
Renters Deserve Full Compensation
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. We fight for renters' rights.
Free Case Review Call: (818) 291-6217Renters Fire Claims FAQ
Can renters sue for wildfire damage?
Absolutely. Renters have the same legal rights as homeowners. You can sue utility companies, government agencies, and other responsible parties for all your losses, including personal property, temporary housing, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Do I need renters insurance to file a claim?
No. Your right to sue for fire damage is completely separate from insurance. Even without renters insurance, you can recover the full value of everything you lost. If you do have insurance, you may be able to collect from both your policy and a lawsuit.
How much can renters recover?
Recovery depends on your losses. Renters often receive significant compensation for personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing), temporary housing costs, additional living expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Claims can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How do I document my belongings after a fire?
Start by listing everything you owned, room by room. Use old photos, social media posts, credit card statements, and bank records to help remember and prove what you had. We can help you create a comprehensive inventory and work with experts to establish the replacement value of your belongings.
Get Your Free Renters Fire Claim Evaluation
We've helped hundreds of California renters recover compensation. No fee unless we win.