Bitten by spider/ Landlord won’t pay

Hi Jennifer,

I’m from your neighboring State: Utah. Hello.

This is a new one for me. I’ve heard of lots of weird things happening to tenants, but being attacked by spiders is a new one. I’m assuming you were bitten by a Brown Recluse or Black Widow, which are common down south of you.

You may be surprised to find that there actually isn’t a law on the books that requires your landlord to treat for spiders. The fact that they immediately did shows some responsibility on their part. Breaking a lease due to spiders is a tough one; even in your situation where you clearly have some medical concerns.

Legally, you will need to either prove that the landlord beached the agreement by knowingly allowing you to move into a spider infested unit or, prove that the rental is unsafe and unfit for tenancy.

Probably the fastest legal option would be to file a complaint with the RPA. When you do that you will be assigned to a Mediator whom can best assist you with legal negotiations.

Sweet heart, my heart aches for you. I wish I had better answers. I hope you get better fast.

Cheryl, thanks for the advice. I’m on the phone with the RPA now. I appreciate the well wishes and I am finally seeing some improvement in the wound. I’ll forever have the scar, but I am not more cautious and am looking for spiders EVERYWHERE, lol. Thanks again and God Bless!