Lessor Liability for Fire Damage in Leased Property

A lessor appealed a decision that held them liable for damage caused to a leased property by a fire, arguing that the lease agreement contained a clause exempting them from liability for fire damage unless the fire resulted from a fault attributable to them or their agents. The court affirmed the lower court's ruling, reasoning that the general exemption clause in the lease was insufficient to absolve the lessor of liability when the fire originated from a defect or vice in the structure of the building, which is the lessor's responsibility to maintain, as this constitutes a fault imputable to them under the presumption of responsibility for the condition of the premises.