My building in NYC just experienced a minor fire. The fire seems to have started from an AC that a tenant installed. This is my first time dealing with something like this, but thankfully, everyone is safe.

It seems like the sprinkler system was able to put out the fire before FDNY arrived. When I got to the property, there was a lot of water from the sprinklers, and it looks like most of the damage is limited to some flooring and ceilings from the water.

I already called my insurance company and filed a claim.

For anyone who has gone through a fire at one of their rental properties, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. What were your next steps, and is there anything you wish you had done differently?

A few things I’m especially curious about:

• How did you handle the insurance claim and adjuster process?

• Did you hire a public adjuster, restoration company, or attorney?

• What should I be careful about when dealing with insurance and contractors?

• Did you wait for the insurance adjuster before beginning cleanup or repairs?

• How did you document the damage and repair costs?

• Were there any unexpected issues with smoke, water damage, mold, electrical systems, or structural damage?

• How long did the claim and repair process take?

I’m still relatively new to property ownership, and this is my first time dealing with a fire loss. Any lessons learned, mistakes to avoid, or advice from owners who have been through something similar would be greatly appreciated.