Yes, you can. Housing Court has awarded rent abatements for bedbug infestations. But you should be prepared to document the infestation, the notice that you gave to the landlord of the infestation, the steps that you took to prepare the apartment for extermination where relevant, and all steps that the landlord took, if any, to get rid of the bedbugs. If you are thinking about withholding rent to force the landlord to exterminate the bedbugs, you should know that because court records are obtained by “tenant screening bureaus” that then sell them to landlords, you could be placed on a blacklist for future rentals, and could have your credit score damaged, if you agree to a stipulation that includes a judgment — even if you win the case — or be evicted if you have not saved the money to cover all the rent that is due and owing if the judge does not find in your favor.
If you are suffering from a bed bug infestation, there is a way to get compensation for your damages – and your bites. You may need to commence a bed bug lawsuit in order to be properly compensated for your injuries and out of pocket costs. Our New York Bed Bug injury Attorneys at The Law Offices of Effie Soter, P.C. are here to help.
If you’ve been exposed to bed bugs or if you have any questions, our New York Bed Bug Injury Attorneys will discuss your legal rights with you during a free initial consultation. We can also help you through the process of filing a claim, and fight for your right to compensation. Call and speak to one of our New York Bed Bug Injury Attorneys at 646-504-7384 or via our contact page to learn more about your rights so that we can obtain the best outcome for you.