Who pays for temporary housing and storage after water damage from upstairs fire?

Tenant Raised Issues
1

Hi everyone, need urgent advice! I live in a 4 unit building in London and theres been a fire in the unit above me. My unit has water damage from firefighting and LL says the ceiling needs replacing. I cant live there rn. Do I still need to pay rent? Also who pays for storage of my stuff and temp housing? No tenant insurance btw :frowning:

3 Likes
2

u should have insurance. thats on u

3

Let me break this down for you:

  1. Rent: You don’t have to pay rent for days the unit is uninhabitable. This is covered under ‘frustrated contract’ in Ontario law.

  2. Temporary Housing: Unfortunately, unless specified in your lease, the LL isn’t required to provide or pay for alternative accommodation. This would normally be covered by tenant insurance.

  3. Storage/Moving Costs: You’re responsible for your belongings. The LL isn’t obligated to pay for storage or moving costs.

Document everything - take photos, keep all communication with LL in writing. If the LL tries to charge rent for days you couldn’t access the unit, you can file a T1 application with the LTB.

1 Like
4

my friend had similar thing happen but with flood damage. the insurance company of the person who caused flood paid for everything

5

The previous response isn’t quite accurate. In this case, if the damage was caused by another unit, you might have recourse through their insurance or by pursuing them directly for damages. Even without tenant insurance, you can seek compensation from the party responsible for your losses.

6 Likes
6

thnx everyone. how do i prove the exact days the unit was uninhabitable?