A fire at your rental property can be overwhelming—but the fire is just the beginning. The real work begins with fire damage restoration, which is the process of cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding your property. For landlords, understanding this timeline and how landlord insurance fits into the picture is critical.
At Steadily, we help landlords recover with fast, reliable landlord insurance coverage tailored to the realities of rental property ownership. Here's what you can expect during fire restoration and how insurance supports each phase.
Emergency Response and Assessment (Day 1–3)
The fire department will first secure the property and confirm the fire is fully extinguished. After that, restoration professionals are typically brought in to assess the damage. During this stage, they will:
- Identify structural issues
- Test for smoke, soot, and water damage
- Begin securing the property (boarding up, tarping, etc.)
Your landlord insurance policy will generally kick in here to cover emergency services and assessments, as long as fire is a covered peril.
Insurance Claim Initiation (Day 1–7)
As the property owner, you're responsible for contacting your insurer (ideally within 24–72 hours). With Steadily, our claims team works directly with you and restoration professionals to ensure you're covered for:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Structural repairs
- Loss of rental income, if the unit is uninhabitable
Make sure to take photos and document all damages before cleanup begins.
Water Extraction and Cleanup (Day 2–10)
In most cases, fire damage is accompanied by water damage from firefighting efforts. The next phase includes:
- Removing standing water
- Drying out the space with industrial fans and dehumidifiers
- Cleaning soot and smoke from walls, ceilings, and surfaces
This phase must be completed quickly to avoid mold, which can complicate restoration and delay tenant move-ins.
Structural Repairs and Restoration (1–8 Weeks)
Once the space is cleaned and dried, repair work can begin. This may include:
- Replacing drywall, flooring, roofing, or insulation
- Electrical and plumbing inspections or repairs
- Repainting and finishing work
The exact timeline depends on the severity of the fire. Steadily’s landlord insurance typically helps cover the cost of licensed contractors and permits for this phase.
Read more: What is a Landlord's Responsibility after a Fire?
Inspection and Habitability (Week 4–8+)
Before your property can be re-occupied, it must pass inspection to ensure it meets local building codes. Landlords are responsible for:
- Scheduling city or county inspections
- Providing documentation of completed repairs
- Ensuring all utilities and safety features (like smoke alarms) are operational
If your tenants were displaced, communicate clearly when the unit will be ready for re-occupancy or offer lease termination options if the timeline is extended.
Loss of Rent Coverage During Restoration
If your property is uninhabitable due to fire damage, landlord insurance policies like those from Steadily typically include loss of rent coverage. This means you can recover lost income while the unit is being restored—even if your tenants have temporarily relocated or terminated their lease.
This coverage ensures you stay financially afloat even when your rental income pauses.
Final Thoughts
Fire restoration can feel like a long and stressful process, but knowing the timeline—and having strong landlord insurance—can make recovery faster and more manageable.
Steadily helps landlords across the country prepare for the unexpected with policies that protect your property, your income, and your peace of mind. When the smoke clears, we’re here to help you rebuild confidently with comprehensive fire coverage.
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