burned structure

My house burned down the other day. The place is a total loss and very structurally unsound. We did not have renters insurance and lost everything. There are items imbedded in the rubble that can't be salvaged. The landlord is saying we are responsible for getting that stuff out of there at our own expense. If we attempt to move some of the items the walls will collapse. He is saying he will have it done for us and bill us for the service. Do we have any legal rights?

How did the fire start? Normally the LL is responsible for the building, not you and his insurer willl cover this. If you were clearly at fault there may be some argument about your liability.

One reason many tenants do not procure a Renters Insurance policy is that they believe that their landlord’s insurance covers their personal property. It is important to note that the owner’s policy covers only the building, common areas and the owner’s liability. It does not cover the tenant’s personal property or liability exposures.

The fire started outside by the street and spread to the house via brush not cleared away from the house. The LL was notified several times about the dead trees laying on the roof but chose to ignore them.

Get a copy of the fire marshall's report to show the cause of the fire. (CYA) You are respsonsible to have the items you wish removed from the structure, just as you moved those items in. Call the fire department and ask for advice on removing items safely. It is not the LL's responsibility to remove whatever you wish to save from the unit just as it is not his insurance company's responsibility to cover your belongings. The contractor that ends up demolishing the property may have to remove the items for you to do so safely. If so, you will be responsible for the cost if you wish to save those things. (He is not respoinsible for the cost of removing your belongings from the property.) Please take note. All tenants should have renter's insurance!