Bedbugs & security deposits
Hello all, My roommate and I have unfortunately been dealing with the hell that is bedbug eradication for the past month+. We have lived in the apt for almost 2.5 years and our lease ends in June. The landlords have been virtually non-responsive with most issues over that time and especially in this one and…
Hello all,
My roommate and I have unfortunately been dealing with the hell that is bedbug eradication for the past month+. We have lived in the apt for almost 2.5 years and our lease ends in June. The landlords have been virtually non-responsive with most issues over that time and especially in this one and initially refused to pay for the extermination stating that the bedbugs were my roommate’s fault. We fought them on that issue, after researching and talking to 311, and they reluctantly arranged for an unlicensed exterminator. They told us not to contact them (the landlords) via email again and refused to give us the exterminator’s contact info so we could have logistical questions answered. I’m very fearful that b/c of all of this they will not return our security deposit. A real estate atty suggested that we withhold our next to last month’s rent (equal to the security dep.), as the last month’s rent was paid when we moved in. Just hoping to get some feedback, comments, thoughts and/or hear if anyone has had a similar experience….
Yeah, I would withhold last month’s rent. Technically, by RE law, the landlord is responsible (even if you brought them – as you can’t really prove it. You could have gotten one on your coat in the subway, or your neighbor could have, and then it drops off when they;re in the hallway, makes it’s way to you, etc. etc.). This is also disquieting for others in the building because they can travel through walls and in cracks and crevices, especially if you move out and the apt. is vacant for more than a week.
I would also notify other tenants in your building of the issue – and the LL’s response. It’s embarrassing, yes, but at least they know and can take steps to protect themselves.
Thank you, Corolla – that would have been my ideal choice but they will not even return my roommate or I’s calls or e-mails. They actually told my roommate (who discovered the infestation) not to contact them anymore (!!!) and said not to get them angry…I’m moving out-of-state as soon as my lease ends which further complicates matters, as I fear then, I’ll never see that security deposit…
Why don’t you ask them to inspect the apartment and give you an estimate of what the deposit costs would be before you leave (assuming you don’t trash the place first). Once you withhold rent you will technically be breaking your contract and not be on good enough terms with the landlord for just having a simple, responsible conversation.
thanks to you both – yes, we have gotten rid of the bednugs (still have everything in sealed plastic, multiple exterminations, etc.).
the problem is more that it seems very likely that the landlords will keep our security dep to cover the costs of the fumigations (I know that’s not allowed, but I would not put it ast them to do)…Probably just not going to pay the second to last month’s rent (which would be the security) so it’s a non-issue….I hope!!
If you move out, you need to be extremely careful that you do not take the bedbugs with you to your next home. Bedbugs can live for up to 6 months without feeding and can easily travel in clothing, furniture, linens or luggage. Check on-line resources for bedbug eradication and follow the instructions to the letter. I’ve had them and I got rid of them on my own but you must be meticulous.
Are there still bedbugs?
If so, I think i would approach it this way – volunteer to vacate early upon return of your security deposit. It’ll probably be easier for them to address the bedbugs w/o stuff in there, and you can get out of the nightmare early. If they are not amenable to that, i would hold paying further rent until steps are taken to address the problem. They will suddenly be very reachable if you hold april rent.