Renter’s Guide to Wildfire Safety

Wildfire Risk Reports

Defensible space inspectors evaluate properties throughout Marin and generate a Wildfire Risk Report with required and recommended actions. Property owners cannot deny access to defensible space inspectors if the tenant grants permission.

• Required actions must be corrected within 30 days and will be re-inspected.
• Recommended actions reduce risk but in some jurisdictions they are not enforceable.

Reports are available to renters and property owners via Marin Wildfire’s Defensible Space webpage.

Who’s Responsible?

Renters should work with their property owner to address items in the wildfire risk home evaluation report:

• Renters should always read their lease application thoroughly to understand what each party is responsible for.
• Owners typically handle structural, vegetation, and defensible space work.
• Renters may be responsible for regular maintenance, depending on the lease.
• Both parties share responsibility for clear communication and timely action.

Owner Responsibilities

California law requires rental properties to be maintained in safe, habitable condition and built to code.

• If repairs require temporary relocation, tenants generally do not pay rent during that period.
• If a property is completely destroyed by fire, the lease ends and tenants are free to seek new housing.

Renter Responsibilities

Renters are responsible for wildfire risks associated with their personal belongings, including but not limited to:

• Combustible door mats
• Wreaths and exterior decor
• Patio furniture
• Clutter or dead vegetation buildup near exterior walls or windows

Renters should maintain outdoor spaces as required in the lease (e.g., clearing leaves, mowing grass, cleaning gutters).

Wildfire Alerts & Evacuation Preparedness

Sign Up for Alerts

Every Marin resident should sign up for Alert Marin, which provides timely, location-specific emergency alerts, such as wildfire. Generally, the most severe wildfires occur during Red Flag Warnings, so it is important to pay attention to when those warnings are issued. The Marin County Public Emergency Portal, managed by the Marin County Office of Emergency Management, is a great resource during an emergency, providing residents with the latest information regarding significant incidents and updates along with resources and/or actions for community members.

Evacuation Planning

Know your building’s exit routes, access points, stairwells, and emergency procedures.

Prepare early:

• Build a Go Kit with essentials for your household members and pet(s)
• Practice an evacuation drill with your household
• Plan where you will go (friends, family, hotel, or evacuation center)
• Consider pet needs and transportation
• Establish a family communication plan with an out-of-area contact

Reduced Mobility

If you know you will need help evacuating:

• Arrange support from caregivers, neighbors, or family
• Keep medications and essential items in your Go Kit
• Consider evacuating early when the initial warnings are issued

Evacuation Warning vs. Evacuation Order

Evacuation Warning: Time to activate your household’s evacuation plan, get your Go Kit, and secure transportation. Consider leaving early if mobility or support needs exist, or if there is only one exit from your location.

Evacuation Order: Leave immediately. Do not delay.

Where to Go During an Evacuation

The safest option is to stay with family or friends, but other options include:

• Hotels
• County-designated evacuation centers
• American Red Cross shelters (no ID required; open to all)
• Temporary refuge areas such as large parking lots or ball fields if routes are blocked
• Emergency managers will provide updates via Alert Marin, Nixel (depending on jurisdiction – check with your local fire/police department), social media, and news outlets.

Preparing Your Rental for Wildfire

Preparedness and maintenance are shared responsibilities for property owners and tenants. Whether you live in a single-family home or an apartment complex, everyone has a role in reducing wildfire risk.

Most homes that burn in wildfires ignite from wind-blown embers. You can significantly reduce your risk by keeping the first 5 feet around your unit (Zone 0) clear, and clearing the gutters on your roof.

Simple steps:

• Maintain your Zone 0 – Keep the first 5 feet around the home clear of leaves, dry vegetation, and debris.
• Remove combustible items, dry leaves, debris, and vegetation from patios, balconies, entryways, and carports
• Choose non-flammable doormats and entryway items
• Store flammable items (cushions, umbrellas, crates, propane tanks, firewood, paint cans) away from the building
• Avoid using grills, fire pits, or spark-producing tools on high-risk days
• Use free Chipper Days to dispose of yard waste.

EV Charging

Outdoor installation is preferred. If charging units are indoors, they must be certified, up to code, properly installed with fire-rated separation, maintained per manufacturer guidance, kept clear of combustibles, and (if applicable) have emergency sprinklers and a manual shutoff.

Interior Fire Safety

A fire inside the home can spread quickly, and you may have as little as two minutes to escape. Preparation saves lives.

Simple steps:

• Install smoke detectors on each level and inside/outside bedrooms
• Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and ensure everyone knows how to use it
• Create and practice a fire escape plan with all household members twice a year
• Know how to get out of every room, ideally have two ways out (might mean a window)
• If fire occurs: Get out, stay out, call 911

If Your Rental Is Damaged or Destroyed

If wildfire damages or destroys your home:

• Your landlord or property manager should communicate next steps
• Renters insurance can help replace personal belongings
• Relief resources may be available from American Red Cross, FEMA, and local nonprofits
• Total loss often means permanent displacement and the need to find new housing

How to Report Safety Hazards

If you believe your property is unsafe:

• Report concerns to the owner or property manager
• Keep a written record of all communication
• If the issue is severe or not addressed, report it to your local fire department

Insurance Is Essential

Renters insurance helps recoup personal belongings lost in a fire. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, if repairs require temporary relocation, rent is generally not owed while the home is uninhabitable. If a property is a total loss, the lease typically ends and rent payments stop.

Firewise Communities

The nationwide Firewise USA program supports neighborhood-level action to reduce wildfire risk. Marin has many Firewise communities that benefit from safer neighborhoods and may qualify for insurance discounts. These communities come together to shape real wildfire resilience in their neighborhood, doing volunteer days, removing excess vegetation, and conducting evacuation drills. For more information, learn about our local Firewise program.

Marin Wildfire: Helping to Reduce Risk

Marin Wildfire funds countywide wildfire resilience projects help reduce risk for everyone, renters and property owners alike. The work includes:

• Development of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Creation of fuel breaks near neighborhoods and apartment buildings
• Fire fuel reduction and vegetation management projects across Marin
• Property evaluations by trained inspectors
• Free vegetation disposal for residents through the Chipper Day program

Looking for more information?

Visit Marin Wildfire for detailed resources, how-to guides, evacuation planning tools, and current wildfire readiness projects.