If I have cockroaches in my single family house, does landlord have to pay for pest control?
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If I have cockroaches in my single family house, does landlord have to pay for pest control?
I am renting a single family house. I moved in about 2 months ago and recently noticed huge roaches in the house. Every evening I find new roaches in the house (kitchen, bathroom, office, garage). Mostly I find them in the kitchen and I am concerned about it. I contacted the realtor agency. However, they told me I would have to pay for pest control myself and that its not their responsibilty. Is that true? Doesnt the landlord have to pay for it? Do I have the right to terminate the contract and move out of the house?
Asked on August 22, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I suggest that you carefully read the presumed written lease that you have with respect to who between you and the landlord pays for the costs of removal of the cockroaches you have written about in that the written agreement controls the obligations between you and the landlord on the subject you have written about. If the lease does not state who pays for the costs of removal, then under the laws of all states in this country, the cockroach removal is the landlord's cost.
If the local health department determines that the unit violates health codes only then would you would be able to end your lease with the landlord without recourse.
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