Renting an apartment am I responsible to pay an Orkin bill that treated for bed bugs?

in Bedbug Questions



Question by Nicole:
Renting an apartment am I responsible to pay an Orkin bill that treated for bed bugs?

I am currently renting an apartment that became infested with bed bugs! I complained to my apartment manager several times and they had Orkin come out and treat. They now want me to reimburse them for the Orkin bill stating that it was my responsiblity? Being as I didnt have a bed bug problem before I moved in there I feel that this is not my obligation to pay this bill. Am I legally responsible to pay this? And can I put my rent money into escrow until this issue is resolved?

Best answer:

Answer by ladystang
talk to a lawyer

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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

linkus86 January 31, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Read your lease! Generally the landlord can not charge you for the bug treatment. If the landlord is claiming it is your fault, fine … but agree to pay AFTER he has proven his claim. You can’t escrow your rent, but be on the safe side and note all rent checks as “rent only” for future reference if the landlord sues you over this or tries to withhold your security deposit.

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Wildcat January 31, 2011 at 5:58 pm

A tenant can never put rent into escrow with out going through the proper procedure. This typically requires a court order. Tenants cannot take the law into their own hands. Tenants cannot use the rent as leverage.

It is legal to charge you for that if he can prove that you caused it or if it is stated in your lease. Some leases DO state that pest control is the tenant’s responsibility. You need to check your lease 1st then you would probably have to take him to court to dispute the charge.

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Tigg January 31, 2011 at 6:56 pm

You are liable since the infestation occurred during your occupancy.

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