Kristi King - Propoerty Manager    |    Old Town Lofts    |    Kansas City    ,    Missouri 64105    Landlord Complaint 23-0119

I first noticed what I now know to be a bed bug inside my apartment the week of 8/6/12. I discovered the bug inside the laundry bag once inside my apartment. After looking up the bug on line to find out what it was I notified building management to let them know I had discovered a bed bug. They told me that they would have a representative from their pest control company, Zip Zap, come out to inspect the unit. After they did their inspection, which I was not present for, they recommend a heat method of treatment and that it would cost $800. Having never encountered this type of pest, and being upset on so many levels now, I asked how they can assume that I brought this infestation on myself. They said that it is their policy to not cover bed bugs because they can come from a any number of locations. I wanted to have independent companies come to inspect my apartment so that I could compare notes and costs. I had 2 different companies come out (S.O.S. and Terminix), and I was quoted $600 for the freeze treatment and $1100 for the heat treatment. Between the 2 inspections they were only able to find one live bug, so the infestation is not rampant through the apartment, but could potentially be if left untreated. I luckily do not have any allergies to speak of, so I haven’t noticed bites even though they have for sure been on my bed. This apartment building in income restricted, and my rent is $491 a month. My apartment manager offered a payment plan, but any monthly increase would still be a financial strain. Since using the provided community laundry should not be an at your own risk situation and because pest control does go unit to unit when they do their regular pets maintenance, there is no way with complete certainty that I brought this infestation on myself. I can not accept that my day-to-day lifestyle, which does not include hotels or travel, is the sole cause of this infestation. I did the right thing by reporting the infestation so that it can be addressed, resolved, and to protect myself and my neighbors. I can not afford to budget for this treatment, and I there is no way to guarantee this infestation didn't come from the building, another tenant, or a maintenance person. The purpose of this complaintt is to ensure a healthy living environment and to protect myself from taking on the financial responsibility of maintaining a unit I already pay to live in in good faith every month. Very Sincerely, Dana Noland