Can I Pursue a Case if I was a Renter in the Eaton Canyon Fire?

Our law firm has been approached with some of the following questions:

• Can affected renters file insurance claims?
• Can renters apply for FEMA assistance after a wildfire?
• Can renters file lawsuits against liable entities?
• Can renters take any action against landlords that fail to repair the property?

In the following sections, we will review these questions and provide you with some information about the options available to you and your family.

Yes, given that you had renters insurance at the time of the fire, you could have a valid insurance claim. Your renters insurance may cover damage to personal property due to fire or smoke. Your policy may also cover at least two weeks of “Additional Living Expenses” to cover temporary housing, food, and other needs during displacement caused by fire.

Yes, if your rental home is in an area that was declared a disaster area by the federal government and you lack enough insurance coverage, you could be eligible to apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA assistance may include grants for lost personal property (and other necessities) and rental assistance for temporary housing. It is important to highlight that the FEMA application deadline for assistance related to the Eaton Fire is March 31, 2025.

Yes, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit. Investigations surrounding the Eaton Fire suggest that a utility company – specifically, Southern California Edison (SCE) – may be liable for starting the fire. This is based on SCE’s duty to properly maintain their equipment and to properly respond during wildfire risks. Affected renters can file a lawsuit against the utility company or even participate in a class action lawsuit. Although every claim is different, affected renters who sue utility companies may have the right to recover compensation for damaged personal property, all medical expenses resulting from the fire, relocation costs, pain and suffering. And legal help, for example.

Ultimately, landlords have the duty to ensure that their rental units remain habitable. If a rental unit sustained damage, it is reasonable for the renter to expect the landlord to repair the damage. If the damage is making the rental unit uninhabitable, then the renter may request repairs to be made and expect the repairs to be completed within a reasonable timeframe. If the landlord fails to make repairs, the renter may have the right to withhold rent, make repairs themselves and charge the landlord, and even to terminate the lease without having to face any penalty.

It is also important to note that if your rental home is uninhabitable, you could pursue a lawsuit against your landlord. Of course, if the poor conditions in the rental harm affected your health, you could have grounds to pursue an injury claim.

Regardless of the type of claim that you are pursuing or the specific action that you are taking, it is important that you have the evidence to support your claim. Consider some of the following suggestions:

• Gather photos that show the condition of your rental before the fire
• Take photos showing the extent of the damage and the condition of your belongings
• Gather receipts for high-value purchases (this may include computers, laptops, tablets, appliances, etc.
• If you suffered injuries, seek medical attention and gather all relevant medical records
• Gather records of relocation costs
• Seek legal help as soon as possible

If you are a renter in the Altadena or Pasadena areas that is interested in exploring the legal options available, please do not hesitate to reach out to the experts here at our law firm as soon as possible. Our lawyers are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights after a wildfire and secure the maximum recovery available. Our lawyers have decades of experience and are ready to take care of your claim. To ensure that we remain as accessible as possible, we offer free case evaluations. These include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our experts will be available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to start or continue your claim. To schedule a free case review, contact us today.

We offer a Zero-Fee Guarantee, so you will not be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. Our law firm works on a strict contingency basis, meaning that you will never be required to pay anything if your claim is not successful.

If you are ready to discuss the options available to you with our experts, contact us today.

Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Eaton Fire Property Damage Lawsuit Attorneys
Palisades Fire Smoke and Ash Claims