You do not have to tolerate bedbug, cockroach, or rodent infestations. Your landlord is responsible for providing a habitable unit without bugs or rodents—and a Fresno cockroach and bed bug lawyer could help.
When an insect or rodent infestation interferes with your enjoyment of your rental unit, talk to the tenants’ rights attorneys at Elder & Spencer. They can inform you of your options, help you choose a strategy, and work to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
All landlords must abide by the implied warranty of habitability when they lease property, regardless of whether the rental agreement mentions habitability. Neither the landlord nor the tenant can waive the warranty of habitability.
According to California Civil Code §1041.1, infestation of vermin, including bedbugs, cockroaches, and rodents, can render a rental unit unsafe to live in or uninhabitable. When a landlord fails to correct a condition that makes a rental unit uninhabitable, tenants have several remedies at their disposal. A Fresno tenant should always consult with an experienced cockroach and bed bug attorney before engaging in any of these actions. Tenants’ rights are not absolute, and there are often conditions a tenant must meet if they hope to preserve their tenancy.
Even though the landlord is responsible for pest control, tenants must do their part by diligently and timely reporting the infestations to the landlord.
Bedbugs and cockroaches multiply rapidly, and catching the problem early provides the best chance of controlling it. Tenants must cooperate with a landlord‘s efforts to inspect the property to evaluate the problem and undertake pest control measures. Elder & Spencer recommend that you always complain in writing and keep your proof.
A lease agreement may specify additional obligations the tenant has regarding pest control and reporting. A Fresno attorney with Elder & Spencer can review a lease and ensure a tenant understands and upholds their obligations regarding cockroach and bedbug infestations.
The landlord has the ultimate responsibility to keep a rental property free of pests.
Building maintenance is an important aspect of pest control. Ensuring the integrity of foundations, filling cracks, keeping ventilation systems clean, and installing properly fitted windows and doors can contribute to keeping pests out. In many cases, regular application of pesticides is necessary to control the population of roaches.
Bedbug infestations often require intensive eradication efforts. In multi-unit buildings or complexes with shared laundry facilities, typically, all units must be treated. Tenants who believe their landlords are not doing enough to control bedbugs should speak with a Fresno attorney at Elder & Spencer.
No one should have to live with roaches or bedbugs. Landlords have a responsibility to keep rental units free of these pests.
Contact a Fresno cockroach and bed bug lawyer at Elder & Spencer if you feel your landlord is not responding appropriately to an infestation. Reach out now to get started.
(714) 587-5150