Can I Use a Bed Bug Infestation as a Defense in a Nonpayment Case?
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...
Our Recent $75,000 Bed Bug Settlement
The Law Offices of Effie Soter, P.C. is pleased to announce our latest bed bug settlement. The Plaintiff sustained bed bug bites while in their apartment through no fault of their own. This bed bug exposure completely ruined all of Plaintiff's furniture and needed to seek medical treatment to treat their bites...
What If I Have to Move Out of My Apartment While Extermination Takes Place?
Most landlords probably won’t voluntarily pay temporary relocation costs. Trying to get the landlord to relocate you while the apartment is being exterminated will probably require a court proceeding, and there’s no guarantee that housing court would...
What if My Landlord Refuses to Take Care My Bed Bug Problem and I Hire My Own Exterminator?
If you are compelled to hire your own exterminator because the landlord refused to do so, you can try deducting the cost of the extermination from your rent. Make certain, however, that you have written proof that you asked your landlord to hire an exterminator before...
What If the Extermination Company the Landlord Hires Can’t Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
This can be a tough call. If you refuse to let the landlord’s exterminator do the work, then you may be accused of being the problem. Generally, in court cases involving contractors of any kind, judges in Housing Court will say that that you need...
What if My Landlord Refuses to Take Care of My Bed Bug Problem?
You can bring an H.P. (Housing Part) proceeding against the landlord to compel him or her to exterminate. An H.P. proceeding is commenced in Housing Court. Once you file the proceeding, inspectors from HPD will inspect your apartment to verify the presence of bedbugs. HPD inspectors only accept evidence of actual...
Who is Responsible for Getting Rid of Bed Beds in My New York Apartment?
No. That's not true. Your landlord is responsible for it. For tenants in New York, the right to a bedbug-free environment is included in the city’s housing and maintenance code,...
Helpful Ways To Avoid Bed Bugs When You Travel
As Bed Bug infestations become more common throughout the world, it is important to take simple precautions when you travel so as to minimize the chances of picking up Bed Beds and taking them home with you.
Bed...
Helpful Bedbug Tips
Bedbugs are small insects that are common in New York City. Adult bedbugs have flat, brown oval bodies and are about the size of an apple seed. They are usually active at night and feed on blood in order to grow and reproduce.
Were You Exposed To Bed Bugs While At A New York Hotel?
People, at one point or another, will travel for different reasons. Some people travel for work. Some people travel to visit family. Some people travel to go on vacation. In most cases, the person will stay...