What are a renter’s rights regarding roaches?
Jul.22, 2010 in
Pest control
It’s June 14th. I moved into this apartment on June 1st. I have already seen 3 roaches. I am writing this now because pest control came earlier today to treat the kitchen and I saw one this evening IN THE KITCHEN!!!! 2 babies and the one today was an adult. It’s only been 2 weeks, so it’s safe to assume that things will only get worse. Moving is tiring and expensive. I could have stayed where I was if I had known this place had pests. What are my rights as a renter? How long should I give the management company to deal with this problem? Can I break my lease? Can I ask for moving expenses?
Tags: Adult, apartment, babies, Control, evening, June, kitchen, management company, moving expenses, Pest, Pest control, Pests, place, renter, today
July 31st, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Ask at city hall. They can also force more fumigating to be done. It could also be that the roaches came out because it was sprayed.
They don’t have to disclose to you that they have an insect problem as long as they are dealing with it.
Finding Nemo
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August 11th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Most states institute a “Warrenty of Habitability” meaning that if the apartment is infested then you may – in this order – do the following –
1. Attempt to resolve the situation with the landlord.
2. Employ a terminator and discount the amount from the rent.
3. Inform your landlord that you are leaving due to infestation.
Most states will not allow you to claim moving costs in this scenario especially since you may envoke your right to hire a terminator.
Life Coach / Executive Consultant
AdamSteffens.com
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August 23rd, 2010 at 11:36 pm
No, you cannot break your lease because there may be roaches in your premises, especially if the landlord is providing pest control in an attempt to control them. Would you ask to break your lease if you saw a housefly or a mosquito in the premises? Landlords can’t work miracles. They can only attempt to remedy the situation, and it sounds like yours is working toward that end.
As long as the management company is making proper attempts to control the issue, you will have to honor your lease. If you decide to terminate, expect them to take legal steps to collect on the unpaid balance of your lease agreement. As for moving expenses, you HAVE to be kidding.
Life Coach / Executive Consultant
AdamSteffens.com
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September 7th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Read your contract carefully and let your landlord know about the situation. Always review your rights under the contract and consult an attorney if there are things you don’t understand.
Life Coach / Executive Consultant
AdamSteffens.com
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