must an apartment be pest free , before renting.
can i get out of my lease or Sue my apartment company.
2007-09-13 05:49:19 · 9 answers · asked by Danard R 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Since you failed to mention your location (landlord tenant laws are state and local laws, not federal) I will answer based on Washington state law:
A landlord must "Control pests before the tenant moves in. The landlord must continue to control infestations except in single family dwellings, or when the infestation was caused by the tenant"
Your recourse vary again by state law, however you can not terminate your lease until you have given the landlord notice IN WRITING about the condition and the landlord fails to start repairs (extermination in this case) with in the 10 days allowed by law.
2007-09-13 05:58:10 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Renters rights vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so the best I can do is give you suggestions of who to contact. First contact your local housing authority or HUD office and ask them if they have a "Renters Rights" pamphlet. Talk to one of their case workers about the situation and see what you can do under the law. The next idea can get a little sketchy, so be packed and ready to go. Contact the local Department of Health and see if they can condemn the building for pest infestation. What they should do is give the property owner a date to be complaint with pest control ordinances for rental properties and if he fails to bring the property in compliance, they can condemn the property and then everyone would have to move out. On the bright side, the landlord would have to release everyone from their leases and return deposits (Unless of course there are abuse or malicious damages caused to the property, take date stamped photos of everything right before you turn in your keys). Good Luck!
2007-09-13 06:01:25 · answer #2 · answered by Jim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure the laws vary from state to state and county to county, plus your lease may specify different "pest control" solutions.
We have an ongoing case right now where a tenant tried to get out of their lease for the same reason. They called the city health inspector who, in turn, called their landlord, who in turn, called us. The city inspector said if she see's 2 roaches during her inspection it is considered an "infestation".
We are now treating this apartment on a monthly basis (at the landlords expense) until the problem is gone.
Hope this helps.
2007-09-13 05:55:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it isn't illegal for this to occur. I lived in a roach infested place and as long as they try to get rid of the bugs then they are doing their job. The reason for this (given to me by different tenets, so not my opinion) was because of the low quality of rice that the orientals tenets get from oriental stores in the area. So according to the people who were managing the place it was an on going problem. Again, I don't know what happened, all I know is that I am glad that I am out of there!
2007-09-13 06:00:17 · answer #4 · answered by Fedup Veteran 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, the apartment MUST be live-able!
If an apartment is unlive-able, the renters can withhold rent until it is fixed. The tenant can also break the lease. This was from a law class regarding CA law. Laws in other states may be different.
You may want to hire an attorney for a hour.
2007-09-13 05:56:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon where you live. If having roaches is a violation of health codes then yes, it is illegal. However having a pest issue is generally no covered in most areas. You best bet is to speak with your local tenants rights board to see what your legal options are.
2007-09-13 05:55:03 · answer #6 · answered by smedrik 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That sort of law is generally handled at the local level, so you will have to see what the law is in your city. But more than likely, yes it is. Or at the very least they will probably have to get an exterminater to get rid of the roaches once you have reported it.
2007-09-13 05:54:46 · answer #7 · answered by Michael C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to do everything in your power and prove that you had no knowledge of the roaches or an agreement to clear them away before moving in. Courts are not gonna feel for you when you just want out now.
2007-09-13 05:56:43 · answer #8 · answered by Lex 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No they cant rent it to you like that!!!!! Thats is just digusting.
2007-09-13 05:53:51 · answer #9 · answered by Lizza C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋