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Crazy neighbor with severe bed bug infestation

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witchiegrlie

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Posted 4 years ago
Mon Jan 19 2009 16:22:32
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I live in a co-op (large apartment complex) in Queens, New York and owns my apartment. A few months ago I discovered some bites on my arm and found out that my downstairs neighbor has a severe bed bug infestation. It turns out he is a really crazy and dirty person and he's had these bugs for months! He refused to get a licensed exterminator and the bugs started to come into my apartment due to his random spraying. I hired a professional exterminator to come treat both apartments and paid for it as well. However, my crazy neighbor refused to work with the exterminator to clean his place - laundry, throw away infested furniture, clean carpet, etc. He basically sat there and did nothing! Thus I don't even think the fumigation did anything since the bugs were probably hiding everywhere in his place. After my apartment was fumigated ( we also sealed the cracks on the floors and walls) I left for 2 months and just got back. I slept for a few days but last night I discovered a small bit again! I tried calling my management company but they said that since he owns his apartment as well, due to privacy, they can't force him to clean up! Is this true???? I am desperate since I don't want to end up fumigating my apartment every month! I am even thinking about selling the place and moving away but I don't want this crazy to run me out of my home. Anyone know if legally this person has to make sure he is free of the bugs? I have called 311 to file a health complaint but nothing was done. HELP!!!!
losingit

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Posted 4 years ago
Mon Jan 19 2009 17:11:05
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I don't know anything about the law in NY but you should find out for certain what your rights are. Make some phone calls to get information. I can't imagine it's legal to allow someone else (even an 'owner' rather than a 'renter') to disturb your living space etc.

You might also want to speak to your other neighbours and see if they have any issues though they may be embarassed to admit it...
Marixpress

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Posted 4 years ago
Mon Jan 19 2009 17:15:57
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Civil Court, Queens County
http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/11jd/index.shtml

89-17 Sutphin Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11435

Phone/Fax:
Gen. Info. (212) 791-6000
Civil (718) 262-7100
Fax: (718) 262-7107

Hours:
9 a.m - 5 p.m.

Small Claims
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thu

Small Claims Court
6 p.m. - 12 a.m. Mon-Thu

Housing
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thu

You should be able to get a court order.
BugsInTO

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Posted 4 years ago
Mon Jan 19 2009 17:42:49
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Please post what you find out. I am very interested. Co-ops and condos come up often in this forum. I'm in Ontario, Canada, so the law will probably be different here, but I am very interested none the less.

Coops mean ownership of a share(s) in a corporation that owns the building. Owning the shares gives you the right to reside in a particular unit and also brings with it duties and obligations.

What are those duties & obligations and how do they apply to you and your downstairs neighbour? There are lots of different types of coops, with different types of arrangements, but there has to be something something you can use as leverage.

Good luck.