There was such a case within the management company I worked where a lease outlined such and it was found the apartment owners were found in neglect that's the key word (neglect) were found in total disregard and knowing and in some cases hard to prove but in this case the court ordered the reimbursement of a tenants belongings as the court found the apartment owners at fault.
I forget all the details but it had something to do with the breaker box inside the apartment and somehow ignited a fire and in this case it came properly out of the owners own pockets outside of any insurance coverage they might have had. This case was in Alabama though I'm in Tennessee this apartment owner(s) and management company managed several in other states.
Further in this case they knew there was problems with the breaker box but failed to investigate and fix the problem why I don't know but it cost them dearly and a hard lession as the damage to the building itself and the tenants apartment.
A tenant having renter insurance is a good safety net if they have it their covered. Back when I managed the waterbed was the in thing and I explained in order to be allowed they must have renters insurance in case it leaks and a lot of times I'd just tell them regardless no waterbeds to much hassle even with renters insurance if it effects other tenants enjoyment of their apartments if it leaks and causes time away from their apartment it's not worth it so I'll make a judgement call and the future tenant was allowed to go elsewhere.
Now if a tenant causes a fire and it effects other tenants that tenant is going to pay out of their renters insurance like you say that's a given but if they don't have renters insurance it will be a long wait to get money from someone poor actually it's a waste of time..
Now if my chance they don't have renters insurance and they find the apartment owners in neglect like in the above case then it becomes a whole different story if its proven and if they investigate further if they feel something fishy and decide to get a lawyer.
Sure a tenant can't expect reimbursement if a tornado rips through their apartment or if an airplane crashes in the middle of their living room because that's out of anyone's control and I am sure kind hearted people would donate furnature and clothes in such cases at least they would around here..
I use to thing that just because a contract says what it says and this includes any contract for that matter that it's a clear cut contract and usually is in most cases but let a knowledgeable and extensive hard up lawyer or just a knowledgeable person get ahold of a situation or case and you'll be surprised on it's outcome.
In my own experience to give you an example of another type of contract I had a hunch on a contract my old girlfriend signed years ago about buying a car. I posted about this on the forum awhile back but the contract was set up once you drove the car off the lot it's your baby. The dealership had big signs all over the place explaining his car deals BUY AS IS..Long story short, I felt something fishy and found fault in the dealerships sale as my investigation on my own hunch found the car with more mileage then what was on the title and I had evidence to prove it and got her old car back at no cost to her actually her old car was a better car.
Even though the dealership owner didn't like me for exposing his crook self I was my own lawyer..and with such a contract most wouldn't have tried to get their car back and would have ended up with a lemon simply because the intimidation factor of someone not knowing or a better word ignorant. Actually my old girlfriend at the time thought I was crazy in trying to get her old car back she thought I was just wasting my time and I should just forget it.
Someone being ignorant doesn't mean they are stupid it just means they are not knowledgeable enough to know better and to have that confidence to pursue something is key. I am always behind anyone who is poor or less wealthy to be a winner if they know they are right in pursuing something of worth and value it's simply the principle behind it.
I don't have to tell you Penkitten for you know, you know the headaches that come with this job and yes renters insurance covers a lot of other important things I just wish it would cover the managers headaches
Interesting topic and sorry didn't mean to write a book but just needed to share my experiences you just never know it just might help someone.
LoneSilver
penkitten said:
our lease states in it that we highly suggest that our tenants get renters insurance because our property insurance does not cover their personal belongings
