Is the Landlord Liable For Costs Related To Replacing Property That I Have To Throw Away Because Of Bed Bugs?
Generally, the landlord is only liable for property damages and out-of-pocket costs when you can show that there was negligence on the landlord’s part — that the landlord didn’t take reasonable steps to eliminate bedbugs. This could include a situation where the landlord knew that there was an infestation in a neighboring...
What should I be on the lookout for with insecticides if I have bed bugs?
Insecticides are highly toxic chemicals, so you should educate yourself about a particular product before using it or allowing an exterminator to use it. This is particularly important when trying to eradicate bedbugs, since people—especially children, who are most susceptible to toxins—spend a lot of time in bedrooms and in bed. For...
Can I Ask My Landlord To Do More to Ensure No Bed Bugs Come Into My Apartment?
Yes, you can. A landlord has an obligation to keep your apartment bedbug free, so the landlord should take reasonable steps to keep bedbugs from coming into your apartment from a neighboring apartment. If your landlord isn’t automatically inspecting neighboring apartments and treating them if necessary or sealing up holes and cracks...
What Do I Have To Do to Get Ready for A Bed Bug Exterminator?
The exterminator will let you know what steps you have to take in advance of extermination — and you should follow those instructions to the letter. Usually, it will involve dry-cleaning or washing and double-drying all bedding, clothing, and linens; some items that can’t be washed, such as woolens and luggage, can...
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...
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...