I rent, and the house has suffered a fire.?

[Denis_B]

I rent the down stairs along with another who rents, but another room.
We share the whole house, even though the downstairs is considered finished. I have my own separate entrance. November 6th, the house caught fire, downstairs in the opposite corner from where I rent. We all got out okay even the pets. Since then, we have not been allowed to live back in the house, the power was cut the night of the fire, and it is deemed unsafe for occupancy. I believe the owner, who also lives in the house, is having insurance problems, and I do not have renters insurance. At this point I am staying at a neighbor's house, and my dog is at another neighbor's. This is in the state of Massachusetts, so I am wondering what are my options as far as liability......none of my possessions have suffered damage from fire, but there is significant damage by smoke. My computer, my 47" flat screen TV, my clothes, and various other belongings.
So should I continue wait for his insurance company to step up, or should I seek legal advice and begin my own pursuit of restitution ?
I understand about the possessions, but what about the landlord's responsibility to accomadate me as far as comperable living quarters.