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Landlord being dismissive of bugs, blaming us and wanting us to pay?
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Monikaislove
newbite
Joined: Apr '12
Posts: 5offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Apr 15 2012 12:30:51
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Hello everyone,
I am really hoping to get some answers on my situation. My husband and I have lived in our apartment complex for two years now. No bed bugs ever before (Although I have always known what they were and greatly fearful of them, quite possibly my worst nightmare) So, a few days went by, and I was itchy, then it was 3 days, so my hypochondriac side of me kicked in and automatically assumed it was bed bugs. When I got home I had my husband inspect my bites, they were small but in formation. We then decided to check the bed and sure enough we had bed bugs. I do believe it is a small infestation and new, since there was not a large amount of residue and I know I would have noticed quickly since I am so paranoid of this happening.
So, I immediately called my landlord and told him, he blew me off saying "It is your problem. It is only in your apartment, buy spray and kill it. Or you will be held liable for all the apartments to be sprayed." So, he obviously knows nothing of bed bugs then, since they spread, multiply, and crawl through walls. I then attempted to explain this to him, since we have a new neighbor below us and a new neighbor right next door they very well could have brought them in and they came into our apartment. He refuses to get an inspection done and I honestly do not think he has even told the owner of the complex. When I asked him if he did, he became very defensive suddenly.
He is saying we picked it up from somewhere, which I know is possible, however, we are nerds and never leave home. We have 2 friends that come over ever once and awhile and they live in their parents home still. We have not stayed at anyone's house, a motel, or even simply hugged someone besides each other. We do not eat at restaurants and our only contact with people is our 2 hours at school twice a week.
So, my main questions are:
Am I liable since I have lived in the apartment for two years and this is a new problem?
He wants to put the entire cost on me, is that even right? Is there a way to tell who's apartment caused the infestation?
Should I just plan on getting a lawyer?
He asked us to spray, which we did, would that not just spread the issue?
Finally, as I mentioned above, this is my worst nightmare. I physically can not be in the room without going into complete panic mode, I did the following things in hope to ease my mind but I am not sure if is is even possible.
We sealed the room, threw away any unnecessary clutter, double bagged any precious items for 24 months, bought mattress and box spring covers, took the bed apart into pieces, sealed the windows, plugs, anything we thought they could come through cracks. We then sprayed, sealed the room off with bags and 3 rolls of tape (2 layers of this). Wash, Rinse, Repeat in the day, then again the following, and probably for the next few weeks. Should I expect them to follow me within the next few weeks regardless?
Thank you everyone who read and responded!
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,597offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Apr 15 2012 13:35:36
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Dear monik,
Consider the following:
> Where are you located? As some LL/tennant laws vary depending upon location.
> It is wise to document your situation. Create a "journal of events" that includes dates. Clear photos would be beneficial as well.
> It would be wise to commit your communications to your LL to writing and include within your documentation. E-mail and USPS return confirmation type correspondence should be sufficient.
> Keep your communications clear and concise.
> Do you need to contact an attorney? Hmmm, perhaps but this will be determined based upon the responses and what happens in the near future opposite your problem.
> What is the general description of your location? (# of units per building, # of buildings, location, etc. Do NOT post any names or "exact" locations)
Check out the resources pages on this site. Also, go to my profile, find my website, go to the articles page there and review some of the BB articles posted there.
Send me a PM and I can provide you with additional advice.
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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IceSage
newbite
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 8offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Apr 15 2012 17:19:18
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Depending on where you live, most landlords are required by law to do something about the problem. This landlord of yours doesn't seem very smart... even if the laws where you are say it's the tenant's fault for some reason.
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