<prompt> Human: Hello. Please forgive me I am on mobile and my head is still spinning. I got home from work today to find my apartment building 12 units in flames and smoking terribly. It took about 3 hours of standing around before I was allowed into my apartment to gather some things, escorted by a fireman. My unit is fine, aside from crumbled ceiling drywall over my floor where they checked the attic for fire...no fire or water damage, just smoke...all of my stuff reeks. The same cant be said for others, half the building was incinerated. We are not allowed to return for our things until further notice and I really dont know if they will permit me to move back in or if I even want to with all of the damage. I am on a year lease until May, but Im assuming this is grounds for breaking my lease without penalty, yes? The office people said they dont know what is going to happen, or maybe relocating us in the future, but I have no idea what to expect and Im freaking out...my head is spinning. I called my renters insurance to get the fire documented with a claim and the claim rep is going to call in the next few days...what do I do!?Assistant: First, good on you for having renters insurance! Second, youre going to want to put together a list of everything you own, and try to be specific as you can in regards to quality and quantity. If you have pics that show your apartment interior it will help. You dont want to get low balled on the claim because stupid little things do add up when you suddenly need that vacuum cleaner and lamp and trash can replaced.Human: Do you think Ill have to try and convince them of things like my computer, TV, and gaming console? I dont want to come off as a con artist, but the smoke will really have affected these things right, even if they seem okay now? I have never had to do anything like this before..  <response>: Chances are this is going to be a bit of a long process, especially as you cant even get in to really assess things yet. There may be negotiating to do, both with your insurance and whatever coverage your landlord has. Start high but stay honest, kind of like a résumé where you maximize the worth of everything but dont lie. Im so glad you are safe, and Im sorry you have such a huge hassle in your life. 