Question by jane s:
who’s responsibility is it to get rid of bedbugs?
the tenant or the landlady?
Because my tenant is complaining that he has bedbugs and he wants me (the landlady)to call and pay for the exterminator. He’s saying it’s my responsibility. But when I first rented the apartment to him, it was clean (it was completely new). And he’s threatening not to pay the rent anymore if i don’t clean the apartment for him.
please don’t give me your opinions only because I might have to take this to the courts.
Best answer:
Answer by Mark C
Your tenant is responsible, bedbugs come with luggage, boxes, beds etc.
They are found in the best hotels, so even a ” clean ” person can pick them up.
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It’s your word against his.
According to what I read, they are carried to dwellings by various vectors. Usually in furniture, or in luggage from travel, boxes and so on. They can get on peoples’ clothes, but I guess that is not common.
So, unless you have a multi-person dwelling, this person brought them into his residence himself….probably unknowingly.
In that case he should do what he needs to do to rid them…..pay for an exterminator.
In order to keep the peace you may end up having to offer paying half….that is reasonable.
Document everything, communicate with him IN WRITING of the things you do, or won’t do. I don’t believe that everything a person encounters in an apartment is the landlord’s responsibility.
If someone’s a pig and they get a disease fro their living style that’s not your fault either.
Best to call/email some reliable sources…..entomology dept at a university, a hospital, and possibly some internet sources.
This is why I would never….ever…….EVER be willing to be a landlord……not ever ever ever ever. Some dumbass comes along and makes his problem your problem.
I wish you the best of luck.