rent and deposit being withheld

By Matt's mom

My two sons rented a house in Roseville Ca and paid $2100 in deposits and rental. We moved everything from their old apt to the new house which was Saturday and Sunday. The boys were going to spend the night at the apartment and clean before they went back to the new rental. One half hour after we left the new rental Sunday night, the fire marshall called my son to tell him the house was on fire.

We went back to the house to find they would not let us look as they were investigating the fire. The fire report came out and advised they could not determine the fault of the fire. The landlord called and said we could pick up items, that because he could not get insurance on this older house, he would have to charge to boys the $2100.

The boys were able to get a few items but the majority was smoke and water damaged. The boys lost all their tools, beds, etc. Thousands of dollars. They did not have any insurance on the new house yet. Only on the old apartment.

My questions is, who can help us in California without paying major money? The boys lost everything they had and cannot get their deposit or rental fees back. They never even lived in the house.

They should only be charged 2 days per the lease agreement. It states if the house is inhabitable and the tennants are not at fault, then only days used will be charged.

This is absolutely ludicrous. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

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Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Sorry. :(