Two fires in Six months - eviction rights?

[Elizabeth P.]

Hi Everyone!  

I have a duplex in California and one of the tenants lit the oven on fire last November... called the fire department, but there was no damage. Her insurance company picked up the tab for a safety check on the oven. It was no big deal.  A few days ago, there was another kitchen fire. This one was bigger.  I am going to need a new oven, counter tops, cabinets, paint, floors, soot removal throughout the unit.  There was no structural damage though. She is going to move out for the repairs.  I am wondering if it is within my rights to make it a permanent relocation.  The fire incident report says that it was oil at the stove that started the fire and added "alcohol / drugs" as a human factor. BUT SERIOUSLY? 2 in 6 months?!?  I've tried calling tenants rights organizations, but the minute I say I am a landlord they either give me an unhelpful referral or say something snarky and hang up on me.  I just want to do the right thing, while protecting the property and my tenants in the other unit.   If anyone has a similar experience or knowledge about this, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks in advance! 

[Nicole A.]

I'm guessing their lease is not month to month? Yeah, if you call a tenants' rights organization as a landlord, they won't exactly be eager to help you. You should instead get in touch with a couple of local rental law attorneys. Many may even give free consultations when it comes to asking questions like this.