Bed bugs : Who is reponsible – Landlord or Renter ?

By Michigan renter

I live in an apartment dwelling in Farmington Hills, MI since 2/2008. Our apartment building houses 6 units. My landlord notified us in the first week of August 2011 that they have detected bed bugs in our building and arranged for an inspection of all the apartments. The family next door moved out in July 2011 (moved in Feb 2011) and their apartment was getting spruced up to rent again. Thats when I think they detected the bed bugs. It was found during the inspection that our apartment is also infected (the pest control inspectors found some bugs on my matress). The treatment was done a week later and we have’nt found any bug bugs till today (10/1). Before initiating the treatment process, all the residents were notified that we might have share the charges of treatment (Spray treatment)

Shockingly, I received a letter from my landlord that it has been found that my house is the source the bed bugs infestation in our building and I am responsible for all charges of treating mine and surrounding apartments. I’ve been asked to make a payment for $500 !!!!!

I need advice on how to handle this situation. I want to be fully prepared with facts before I talk to my landlord.

My questions are :

1. How can they accuse me/house as the source of the bed bugs problem ? Can I ask them for a proof ? Is there a way to prove that I did not bring the problem.

2. Who is responsible for the treatment ?

3. Two of my neighbors moved out in the last 3 months. They might have been the source as well.

4. The inspection was done on 8/1 and I get a letter that my house was the source of the problem on 9/30. Will it take so long to find out the source ?

Please suggest the best way to handle this problem

Thx

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