Comments on: Extermination clause in lease agreement lawful

By: DI

DI — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:58:45 +0000

We have that clause in our lease, too. It is just if you cause it. You did not cause termites. That is the landlords responsibility. We just had an infestation of ants and he paid for it because they were spotted just before we moved in, they were from the last tenants, and they were dirty and their kids dropped food all over the place.
If you had food and caused all the ants, mice, etc. to come, then you are responsible. You are not responsible for termites. Tell the landlord in writing about the problem. If he doesn’t fix it in a certain amount of time,(check on it, not sure how much time allowed to fix the problem) have it done and send him the bill. File a complaint against him. He sounds as bad as mine!

By: Lara

Lara — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:05:47 +0000

Thanks for the advise, but what is with our deposit?

By: BigBen

BigBen — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:05:21 +0000

Two words: MOVE OUT! I’ve heard of landlords doing crap like this, but come on. Your landlord doesn’t take any responsibiliy, so neither should you. In the mean time– get yourself a buttload of blackflag bug spray.

By: Lara

Lara — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:31:24 +0000

Thank you very much for your advise. The thing is our landlord is an attorney and it is our first rental in the US. I found something about this issue in a diffrent forum. They say unless our rental agreement specifically says termit controll..which is different from general pest control the landlord bears the burden.
There is no state law concerning this matter. But is there any proof that this is correct?

By: Dr Landlord

Dr Landlord — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:25:06 +0000

Hmm. That’s a tough one. I’ve never heard of a landlord actually requiring their tenant to pay for extermination of termites. I’m surprised that the landlord isn’t concerned about protecting his property. Termites will cause a lot of damage.
I suggest you mediate a resolution by filing a complaint with the RPA. I’m not sure of the actual process, but I do know you click on the link at the top of this page: http://www.rentalprotectionagency.com/complaint_center.php