The story behind Murr's destroyed apartment
Murr, from the TV show Impractical Jokers, had his apartment severely damaged in 2020 when a pipe burst and flooded multiple units in his building. The damage was extensive enough that he had to move out while repairs were completed. His landlord's insurance covered the structural repairs, but the process took several months and involved disputes over what counted as the landlord's responsibility versus what Murr would need to replace himself.
The situation became public because Murr discussed it on the show and in interviews. What made his case notable was how it illustrated the gap between what insurance covers for a building and what tenants lose personally — furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings that were destroyed but fell outside the landlord's insurance claim.
Murr eventually returned to a repaired apartment, though he had to replace most of his personal items out of pocket. His experience is instructive for any tenant facing water damage or similar destruction, because it shows how the repair process actually works and where tenants' own losses often fall.
Key Takeaways
- A landlord's insurance covers structural repairs to the building itself, not a tenant's personal belongings destroyed in the same incident.
- Tenants can file a claim with their own renters insurance to recover lost furniture, electronics, and other possessions, but only if they have a policy in place.
- When a pipe burst or other building failure causes damage, the landlord is responsible for repairs but the tenant must document their losses separately to recover anything.
- Disputes often arise over whether damage is the landlord's responsibility (the structure) or the tenant's (contents), and this distinction determines who pays for replacement.
How landlord insurance and tenant losses work differently
When a building system fails — a burst pipe, a roof leak, an HVAC malfunction — the landlord's insurance covers repairs to the structure itself: drywall, flooring, plumbing, electrical wiring. It does not cover what was inside the apartment when the damage happened. Your furniture, clothes, electronics, kitchen items, and personal property are your responsibility, not the building's.
This is why renters insurance exists. A renters policy covers your belongings if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered event like water damage from a burst pipe. Without it, you absorb the full cost of replacement. Murr's situation highlighted this gap: the building got fixed, but his personal losses were his own unless he had renters insurance to file a claim against.
The landlord is still required to make the building habitable again — that is their legal obligation. But "habitable" means the structure is sound and systems work, not that your belongings are replaced.
What tenants need to do after water damage or destruction
If your apartment is damaged by a building failure, document everything before anything is removed or cleaned up. Take photos and video of the damage, the water line, the affected items, and the overall condition. Write down what was destroyed or damaged, with approximate purchase dates and prices if you remember them. This documentation is what you will need if you file a claim with renters insurance or pursue a case against the landlord.
Contact your renters insurance company as soon as possible and report the loss. They will assign an adjuster who will want to see your photos, your list of damaged items, and ideally receipts or proof of purchase. The adjuster will determine what your policy covers and what the payout will be. This process usually takes a few weeks.
At the same time, notify your landlord in writing that you are documenting the damage and that you expect the building to be repaired to habitable condition. Keep copies of all communication. If the landlord is slow to repair or if you believe they are liable for the damage (because they ignored a known problem, for example), you may want to consult a tenant rights organization or attorney in your state.
When a landlord is responsible for the damage
A landlord is responsible for maintaining the building's systems and structure. If a pipe burst because the landlord failed to maintain the plumbing, or if a roof leaked because the landlord ignored a known defect, that negligence can make the landlord liable for more than just structural repairs. In some cases, a landlord's negligence can make them responsible for tenant losses as well.
However, proving negligence is not straightforward. You have to show that the landlord knew or should have known about the problem and did nothing. A pipe that bursts without warning, in a building that was maintained normally, is usually considered an accident, not negligence. A pipe that bursts because the landlord ignored a previous leak or failed to winterize the building is different.
If you believe the landlord is liable, document the history: when did you report problems? What did the landlord say they would do? How long did repairs take? This record becomes important if you pursue a claim or small claims court case.
Renters insurance and what it actually covers
Renters insurance is inexpensive — often $10 to $25 per month — and covers your belongings against damage from fire, theft, water damage from burst pipes, and other covered events. It does not cover damage from flooding (water that comes from outside the building), but it does cover water damage from a burst pipe or a leak in the building's structure.
When you file a claim, the insurance company will ask for proof of what you owned and what it was worth. Receipts, photos, credit card statements, and even a detailed list with estimated prices all help. The company will then pay you the depreciated value of the items — not the replacement cost, unless you have replacement cost coverage added to your policy.
Renters insurance also includes liability coverage, which protects you if someone is injured in your apartment and sues you. It is a broader protection than just covering your belongings, which is why it is worth having even if you do not think you own much.
How long repairs typically take
Structural repairs after water damage can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the damage and how quickly contractors can be scheduled. In Murr's case, the repairs took several months. During this time, the question of whether you can stay in the apartment depends on how severe the damage is.
If the damage makes the apartment uninhabitable — no electricity, no heat, mold growth, structural instability — the landlord must either repair it quickly or provide you with alternative housing or a rent reduction. Some states have specific timelines: if repairs are not complete within a certain number of days, you may be able to break your lease or withhold rent. Check your state and local tenant laws to know your rights.
If the apartment is still habitable but undergoing repairs, you can usually stay, though you may be may have access to to a rent reduction for the inconvenience and disruption. Document the condition during repairs and keep records of any additional costs you incur (temporary housing, meals out, laundry services) if you believe the landlord should reimburse you.
Disputes over repair responsibility and timelines
Disagreements often arise over what counts as a repair the landlord must make versus what is the tenant's responsibility. The landlord must repair the structure and building systems. The tenant is responsible for their own belongings and, in most leases, for damage they caused themselves. When a building system fails, the line is usually clear — but not always.
If the landlord delays repairs or refuses to fix something they are legally required to fix, you have options. You can contact your local housing authority or tenant rights organization to file a complaint. In some states, you can repair it yourself and deduct the cost from rent, though this requires following specific legal steps. You can also break your lease if the apartment becomes uninhabitable, though again, the rules vary by state.
Keep all communication in writing — email is best — so you have a record of what was promised and when. If the dispute escalates, this documentation is what you will need to prove your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I break my lease if my apartment is damaged and the landlord is slow to repair it?
In most states, yes, if the damage makes the apartment uninhabitable. You must give the landlord written notice and a reasonable time to repair (usually 14 to 30 days, depending on your state). If they do not repair it, you can usually break the lease without penalty. Check your state's tenant laws or contact a local tenant rights organization to confirm the exact process.
What if I do not have renters insurance and my belongings are destroyed?
You can still pursue a claim against the landlord if their negligence caused the damage, but you will have to prove negligence in court, which is expensive and time-consuming. Without insurance, you absorb the loss yourself. This is why renters insurance is important — it is cheap and covers exactly this scenario.
Does the landlord have to pay for a hotel while repairs are being done?
Only if the apartment becomes uninhabitable. If you can still live there during repairs, the landlord does not have to pay for temporary housing, though you may be may have access to to a rent reduction. If the apartment is truly uninhabitable, some states require the landlord to provide housing or pay for it. Check your local laws.
How do I prove what I owned if I do not have receipts?
Photos, credit card statements, bank records, and a detailed written list with estimated prices all count as evidence. Insurance companies understand that most people do not keep receipts for everything. Be honest about what you owned and what you think it was worth, and provide whatever documentation you have.
Can I sue my landlord for emotional distress from the damage?
Emotional distress claims are difficult to win and vary by state. You can sue for actual losses — the cost of replacing your belongings, temporary housing, additional expenses — but not usually for the stress or inconvenience alone. Consult an attorney in your state to know whether you have a case.