Whate are my rights as a tennant?
My landlord refuses to take care of the ant problem we have had for weeks now. I keep my apartment clean but they keep coming back. Do I have grounds to demand that he fixes the problem?
Answers:
Yes, you do. At least in California you do. In California you have the right to take care of the problem yourself (by calling a licensed exterminator), and then deducting the cost from your bill (make sure to include a copy of the receipt that specifically states the problem and the services rendered).
This assumes, of course, that you have contacted the landlord and given him/her a reasonable amount of time to solve the problem. It sounds as though you have. Be sure to keep a written account of all activities involved (i.e., calls to landlord, actions taken by landlord, etc.).
Check out the links below for more info. The link from HUD includes separate links to Tenant's Rights in different states.
Hope you clear up the problem!
Take it to the Peter Business Bureau if the landlord is not taking care of the problem.
I suggest burning down the apartment. This will show him you are serious.
Document everything and keep track of every time you notified him/her of the problem. Next, don't pay rent, save your money and move.
P.S. If you do this correctly, no court in this world will hold you responsible for breaking your lease...
In most all cases, landlords, apartment management are very reactive to reports of rodent and pest control. Re-read your lease agreement. If there is any reference to pest control and extermination, bring the to their attention. You can also research tenant rights for your state. In the mean time, many remedies for killing the ants. I recommend boric acid and honey mixed in bottle caps. Will kill the ants and the nest.
PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING. Keep copies. Yes you have rights if he does not comply. Go in google landlord/tenant rights
There is a lot of info'
It isn't a requirement for your landlord to get rid of the ant problem.
As a tenant, you have the right to call an exterminator, and pay for him yourself, or move to a different place. However, the cost of moving would be a lot more than an exterminator.
When I considered a tenant to be too demanding, I gave her the boot. I had a waiting list for that particular rental so I didn't need tenants who gave me a headache by wanting me to take care of every little thing. One tenant expected me to change her light bulb if it went out. She received a 30-day notice at the end of the month. Landlords are people too.
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