Terminating Lease Due to Bed Bugs

Yes, its possible to terminate your lease due to bed bugs, however it will require some help. The landlord will claim that they have been reasonable and fulfilled their legal requirement by addressing the problem quickly and at their cost. (with exception to your preparation cost)

So how can you get out of a lease due to bed bug problem…?

1) Sue your landlord. (not really sure how you go about this, but I know its an option)
2) File Bed Bug Complaint with the Rental Protection Agency. (That’s what I did to get out a lease for the same problem- bed bugs.)

When I filed a complaint to end my lease due a bed bug infestation, my landlord agreed to let me terminate my lease without penalty as long as I had the complaint record removed. I unwillingly agreed to have the complaint record removed in order to get out of my lease. I do feel somewhat guilty because now the landlord has a clean record not showing the bed bug problem which means that someone else will be a victim. I even admit that my acceptance of removing the complaint record was selfish, but it was an option to end my lease without penalty, so I took it. Can you really blame me?

The Mediator assigned to my case was thorough and provided continual updates on the status. Really, all I did was file the complaint and wait for the landlord to provide a fair solution. Due to my urgency to move, I quickly agreed. I did hire an exterminator to treat my unit right before I moved. I also took extra precautions to not bring the bed bugs to my new apartment.

I hope that helps you. That’s how I got out of my lease due to bed bugs, I imagine it would work for you too.

Kara

I’ve got a similar problem. My apartment has bed bugs and now my landlord is trying to charge me for treatment. ($1400) I have NO way to afford this. Luckily I found this post by another tenant that provided some great advice on how to handle bed bug infestations in apartment. Here is the link: http://www.rentalprotectionagency.com/blog/renter/apartment-bed-bugs-1/

It gave me a ton of hope. Its good to know that I do have some rights when it comes to bed bugs. So glad I found that post. Hope it helps you too.

Do you know how to deal with problem in London?
I have just moved into a new apt, I moved 10d ago.
I have dealt with bed bugs since moved, but the landlord seems really unwilling to be helpful.
I do want to cancel my contract.
Do you know how can I manage it?