Who pays for fire-damaged belongings
It depends on what caused the fire. A landlord is generally responsible for fire damage to your belongings when the fire resulted from their negligence — for example, ignoring dangerous wiring or a hazard they had a duty to fix.
If the fire was caused by the landlord's failure to maintain the property safely, you may be able to recover the value of destroyed belongings and other losses. If the fire had another cause — such as an accident unrelated to the landlord's duties — the landlord may not be responsible for your personal property.
This is also why renters insurance matters: it can cover your belongings regardless of fault and is usually inexpensive. A landlord's insurance typically covers the building, not your personal items.
Sorting out fault after a fire can be complicated, and there may be more than one responsible party. Save photos, receipts, and any fire and repair reports. A free, confidential review can look at what caused the fire and explain whether you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.