Rats in My Apartment What Are My Rights?

Rats in my apartment what are my rights? You do have rights and will get to know your rights in this post. Let’s say you live in an apartment complex and have been there for a few years without any problems. Your place is tidy, but recently, you have been dealing with a rat infestation. You have caught a couple in traps. Although maintenance did seal some holes after you insisted, you can still hear the rodents in the ceilings and walls. Now, you have reported this in writing and over the phone multiple times, especially after hearing rats near your closet. Unfortunately, no solution and you keep seeing rats in the common areas. Again, you do have rights.

So, what can you do to make them deal with the rat problem? Can you break your lease without any penalties if you decide to move out? At first, you try not to think about it, but you can’t ignore the scratching and gnawing sounds coming from the walls. It seems like there might be rats in your apartment. Sadly, this is happening more often as rats have been finding their way into the property more frequently.

Rats in My Apartment What Are My Rights

If you find yourself dealing with rats or other pests in your apartment, know that you have rights. The presence of rats can make a living space uninhabitable and is a violation of various building and health and safety codes. When you rent a residential property, there is an implied warranty that the space is fit for living.

In this situation, you should consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney to fully understand your civil rights to a habitable dwelling. They can guide you on the best course of action to take. Alternatively, you might want to inform your landlord of the issue and let them know that if they don’t address the problem, you will hire a licensed company to take care of the rodents. You can then deduct the cost of this service from your next month’s rent. Keep in mind that there are limits to how many times you can do this within a year.

If your landlord fails to stop the rat infestation, you can defend yourself based on a breach of the warranty of habitability. Freedom from vermin is a fundamental requirement outlined in the code. In the event of a trial, a jury or court could potentially reduce the amount of rent you owe based on the severity of the infestation. If your lease includes an attorney’s fee provision, and you win the case, your landlord could be responsible for covering your legal costs.

Also, you may contact your local health and safety agency or code enforcement department to conduct an inspection of the property. They will be able to determine if there are any health and safety violations. According to Health and Safety Code 17923, the presence of vermin or rodents can make a property uninhabitable.

Consider Contacting Your Landlord

Often, it is best to reach out to your landlord and let them know about the rat sighting in writing. Even though it can be tough, try to gather evidence, including pictures of the rats or any signs such as droppings. You can show the landlord that there’s a rat problem with these proofs. Also, clean your apartment to figure out how the rats got in and to avoid being blamed for the infestation.

What the Landlord Should Do

Your landlord must take care of a rat problem in your apartment because they are responsible for providing you with a safe and livable place to stay. Rats can make the place unhealthy, and that’s not okay.

Also, if your landlord knows about the issue or should have known, they have to fix it. You need to notify them in writing, so they can’t say they didn’t know. If they don’t take the right steps to solve the problem, they’re not doing their job properly.

Facing Rat Problems and Your Landlord Won’t Assist? Consult an Attorney

If you are dealing with rat infestation and need assistance, contact an experienced tenant rights lawyer. Reach out to your local knowledgeable lawyers to explain your situation and help you understand your rights against your landlord.