Security deposit return-tenant displaced by fire in NJ

[Nick G.]

Hi

I have a property in New Jersey that was badly damaged by fire and will be uninhabitable for several months. No one was injured.

It appears that the tenant was grilling on the back covered porch and storing small propane canisters nearby although they deny this. Witness accounts mention explosions from the back porch. It appears to me that the tenant was negligent in maintaining the house safely although the full fire investigation is not available.

Under NJ law the security deposit must be returned within 5 business days is displaced by fire. 

Any comments on this?

[Thomas S.]

If the tenant caused the fire they should be responsible for paying your insurance deductible. His deposit plus if necessary.