Are landlords responsible for taking care of bats in your house?

Question

I have had 4 this year and i've told them every time but nothing has been done...if i have to kill one because my bf isnt home i'm gonna freak

Answer 1

That depends. Bats are actually protected in some jurisdictions and if that's the case there's little that you can do. If they're not protected then the landlord would be responsible for handling the problem.

Be thankful you don't live in the UK. Once you get bats in your attic, you are legally barred from even patching the openings that they gain entry through!

Answer 2

If bats are nesting in your house then, yes.
There shouldn't be an open space for the bats to fly through.
If they are coming through because you left the door open, then of course they are not responsible.
If there is a hole in your attic and the landlord won't fix it, I would try just fixing it myself. It may mean just nailing a board. Of course you have to know where to step when you are in an attic, which are the 2x4's. If you step on the ceiling, you will go through, damaging yourself and the property. So if you don't want to go that way, I would tell the landlord that you are going to go to the building inspector's office; the county office where they issue building permits and report him if he doesn't fix the problem. It would be best if you know specifically what the problem with the building is. If you complain, "the bats are coming in my house" it doesn't have too much meaning unless you say something like, "the vents in the attic have deteriorated to the point that bats are nesting in my attic"

Answer 3

Contact your local housing authority, health department and animal control agency. Bats may carry diseases such as rabies and can spread bedbugs, too. The landlord is responsible, but obviously it doesn't seem to be a priority. Don't touch a bat if you catch or kill it, by the way.

Answer 4

Yes your landlord is responsible. If he isn't taking care of the problem, maybe you need to file a complaint with the health department. Bat droppping are a health hazard.

Answer 5

If you rent, your landlord should attempt to fix the problem, providing you are a good tenant and the landlord wants you to continue renting. Call a local pest exterminator and ask them if there is anything that can be done and what the cost will be to do it. Then ask the landlord if he will reimburse you for this expense. He can agree to pay or refuse to pay. And you can agree to continue renting or move out.

Answer 6

Technically, yes it is the LL responsibility. Do not kill the bat. Actually, it is illegal in some states! If you can't get it to go outside, call code enforcement. DON'T KILL IT?!!!