Should my landlord be responsible for the cleaning of the air ducts in my apartmant?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Should my landlord be responsible for the cleaning of the air ducts in my apartmant?

I recently had my ducts clean because of my cat peed in them. upon that the company said i had build of midew, mold, insects, dust mites,insect feeces and other things not related to the cat urine. They did basic cleaning. they said i should have the ducts sterilized. I feel that my landlord should be the ones to take of that. If i have to pay to have it done that means i’m paying for everyone that used the apartment before me.

Asked on May 18, 2009 under Real Estate Law, Oregon

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

According to Section 90.320 of the Oregon Civil Code,  a landlord shall at all times during the tenancy maintain the dwelling unit in a "habitable condition".  This includes maintaining:

Buildings, grounds and appurtenances at the time of the commencement of the rental agreement in every part safe for normal and reasonably foreseeable uses, clean, sanitary and free from all accumulations of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents and vermin, and all areas under control of the landlord kept in every part safe for normal and reasonably foreseeable uses, clean, sanitary and free from all accumulations of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents and vermin; and

Ventilating, air conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, in good repair if supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord.

     

L.M., Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

I agree with you.  Your landlord owes you a duty of habitability, and that means clean, fresh air to breathe.  Did the duct cleaning company put any of this information in writing?  Did you get an estimate for having it done?  If so, send your landlord a copy of it along with a letter asking him to have the ducts thoroughly cleaned and sterilized if that is what is being recommended. 


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption