After an apartment fire: make sure everyone is safe, call your renters insurer as soon as possible for emergency housing, document everything before cleanup, tell your landlord in writing and keep every receipt. This checklist walks through the first day, the first week and the weeks after.
The first 24 hours
- Don’t re-enter until the fire department says it’s safe.
- Get a copy of the fire report, or at least the report number.
- Call your renters insurer and start a claim. Ask about emergency funds and loss-of-use coverage for a hotel tonight. Loss of use explained.
- If you need immediate help with shelter, food or clothing, local disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross often assist families after home fires.
- Notify your landlord in writing.
- Take photos and video of all damage, room by room, when it’s safe.
The first week
- Keep every receipt: hotel, meals, clothing, toiletries, transportation.
- Start your list of damaged and lost belongings. Your home inventory will help. Inventory checklist.
- Don’t throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them or approved disposal.
- Throw out food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat, smoke or firefighting water.
- Replace urgent documents: IDs, bank cards and prescriptions.
- Forward your mail and pause utilities if the unit is unlivable.
The weeks after
- Work with the adjuster on your claim; keep a log of every call and email.
- Ask about professional cleaning for smoke-damaged clothes and furniture; many items can be restored.
- If you have replacement cost coverage, buy replacements and submit receipts to get the rest of your payment. How that works.
- Check your lease and local law about rent while the unit is unlivable and your right to end the lease; rules vary by state and city.
- Get your security deposit status in writing if you move out.
If you caused the fire
Tell your insurer. Accidental fires are covered, and your liability coverage can handle claims from your landlord or neighbors for damage to the building or their belongings. Fire coverage explained.
If you don’t have renters insurance
Ask the landlord whether they caused or contributed to the fire, contact local relief organizations for immediate needs, and keep records of your losses in case you have a claim against someone responsible.
New to this? Start with What is renters insurance?
This site offers general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer, policy and state, so always read your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about your situation.