Mar 17, 2025
A recent fire has left a Detroit woman homeless — and wondering if some of the damage could have been prevented if the apartment building was up to code.
Regiina Owens, a retired nurse living with multiple sclerosis, noticed flames in her apartment January 23 as someone was helping her cook dinner.
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"I didn't know exactly what was happening, all I knew was that I saw some flames in the kitchen," Owens told CBS News.
Despite not knowing how serious the flames might be, she quickly evacuated and called 911.
According to the Detroit Fire Department, it took firefighters just three minutes and 57 seconds to get to the complex, but Owens says they got to the fire much later.
“I could hear their sirens, but it seemed like it was taking forever for them to get there," Owens told CBS News.
Here’s what happened and how to avoid a mishap in an emergency situation where time is of the essence.
Code violations limited firefighter access
Owens could hear sirens for several minutes because of a locked gate at the back of the apartment complex, Marketplace Court Apartments.
The gate restricted firefighters' access to the unit, forcing them to drive a block away to access a hydrant, reported CBS News.
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"How insecure is that?" Owens asked during an interview with CBS reporters. "When an emergency occurs, they can't get in quick."
Even a few minutes of delay can allow a fire to spread, worsen the damage and even risk lives. According to Ready.gov, a fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes — quicker than it took firefighters to reach Owen's apartment.
CBS reported that the locked gate was a fire code violation. The Detroit Fire Department cited Marketplace Court Apartments for the misstep, though reporters were unable to reach the building's management for comment.
For now, Owens is trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life — including re-purchasing expensive medical equipment.
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"I was a nurse for 20 years and had to retire when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis," Owens said. "I was comfortable in that apartment because it was accessible."
She is living with her son and grandson in the interim, but it's not ideal. She lost many of her mobility aids in the fire, and her son's place is difficult for her to navigate.
"My home isn't accessible like hers was," said her son, Kristopher Owens. "It's a struggle to get around corners, the bathroom isn't large enough and we don't have any sort of ramp to help her get in and out of the home."
Owens does have renters insurance, but they're not sure when the money will be available or how long it will take to find another accessible apartment. Her son has set up a GoFundMe for financial aid in the meantime.
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Safety violations could impact insurance payouts
When a property has code violations, it's not just a matter of inconvenience — it can also create complications when it comes to insurance payout and rates.
If a landlord refuses to comply with fire safety regulations, it could be considered negligence, which might impact claim approval. In some cases, an insurance provider may deny claims or reduce payouts if they determine the code violation contributed to the damage, according to Omar Ochoa Law Firm.
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If your building has multiple code violations, insurers may increase your rates or refuse coverage altogether due to the increased risk.
For example, if a fire spreads due to a blocked or inaccessible hydrant — as was the case in Owens’ apartment complex — an insurer might argue that the fire could have been contained earlier if proper fire safety measures were in place.
Fortunately, a renters insurance policy should still protect the belongings of the tenant. But a negligent landlord can still create delays and financial uncertainty for displaced tenants who are relying on their insurance payout to recover.
While renters can't control whether their landlord follows safety regulations, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Report anything you suspect is a code violation to the property manager or fire department if needed, including blocked doors, broken smoke alarms or locked gates.
- Ensure your policy covers potential risks, such as fire damage, temporary housing and the replacement of expensive medical equipment.
- Consider increasing your coverage limit or adding riders for mobility equipment, required medical equipment or other items you need for daily life.
- Know your rights. If your insurance company denies your claim due to landlord negligence, consider getting legal assistance or hiring an independent insurance adjuster.
For Owens and her family, the impact of this fire goes beyond just losing a home — it highlights how crucial it is for rental properties to meet safety standards. Without proper enforcement, renters are at risk of both physical danger and financial hardship.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
