bed bugs/lease

I see this all the time, Landlord’s attempt to treat bedbugs themselves by using a “bug bomb” or other over the counter sprays.  This act as NO effect on bed bugs and will only spread them through-out the unit.  Most of the sprays are an annoyance to bed bugs so when used they spread.  Many times they spread to other units or deeper into walls and hiding spots.

YOUR LANDLORD HAS SPREAD THE BED BUG INFESTATION!

Professional chemical treatments are effective at killing adult bugs and possibly bed bug eggs when sprayed directly on them.  But it will not harm the thousands of other eggs hidden deep within walls.  You will notice a drop in bites immediately following the chemical treatment, but you will still notice a few bites from the adults that were not killed.  They will continue to breed, and other eggs will hatch and before you know it the bedbug infestation is back.

In my opinion companies using sprays are somewhat unethical.  Not only is the process extremely toxic, it also is not effective to wiping out bedbugs.  They will even tell you that it will take several treatments.  Think about it… if you were an exterminator and charge $150 to $250 each time you sprayed; would you come back 2 times or 10 times?  Its a math question.  Chemical exterminators will make more money the longer it takes them to exterminate.  (meanwhile, your family is repeatedly exposed to harsh chemicals)

The cheaper chemical option will cost much more in the long run.

Your landlord is clearly responsible for the entire removal.  And, if he failed to disclose the bed bug infestation prior to you moving in, then, he should also be responsible for any cost; including the items you listed above.

YOU WILL NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO RESOLVE YOUR BEDBUG DISPUTE: http://www.rentalprotectionagency.com/complaint_center.php

If I were you I would immediately file a bedbug complaint.   I read on this blog once, that the RPA has a special division dedicated to bedbug complaints.  If anyone can help you, it would be the RPA Bedbug Special Division.  All you need to do is file a complaint, they will then open a case and assign an RPA Agent to help you get a fair resolution.   In this case, don’t let your landlord walk all over you– he is responsible for completely exterminating your bed bug infestation!

SO, do we not go back?  We are meeting with the landlord today to discuss what our options are. We asked to take 150 off of the next months rent for some of the expenses we have and they said no. The inspector is going back in three weeks but this is not a chance I am willing to take. ALSO, do you know if we can get our money back from the first landlord I mentioned?

Hi Erica:
The problem with not going back is that you could be legally liable for the lease term.  So if you have a long time left on your lease it could cost you a lot of money, even though you have bed bugs.

Another concern with moving is the fact that your belongings would most likely have some infestation which would just spread them to your new place.  Bedbugs can follow you. 

I would suggest getting legal assistance.  Like I mentioned to you earlier, the RPA has a complaint program that could negotiate for you.   I was told that the program has been very successful with landlord bedbug disputes.  I know if I had a bed bug complaint I would do everything in my power to see that it doesn’t go on my public record. 

Its frustrating, I get that; but you’ve got to protect yourself.  Your landlord has proven to you that he’s not going to be fair. 

We have a tenant at will lease.  So we wish we can vacate now we can. We plan on leaving all of our belongins behind and sueing for the costs of our belongings. Does this seem unreasonable to you?