Can my landlord make me pay for extermination in all units of my building?
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Can my landlord make me pay for extermination in all units of my building?
We found bed bugs in our apartment and the landlord states that we are responsible for extermination, which is in our agreement. They also state that if they (landlord) call in the exterminator we will have to pay for all units in this building.
Asked on September 8, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Ohio
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If your written agreement with your landlord states that you would be responsible for the extermination of vermin in your unit, then absent any conflicting state law on the subject you are. I suggest that you carefully read your written lease on the subject to make sure that this is what you agreed to and are obligated to do.
As to your obligation claimed by the landlord that you are obligated to pay for the vermin extermination in all other units, you need to carefully read your written lease with your landlord to make sure that is your agreement. Most importantly, what proof does your landlord have that you caused the from with the bed bug infestation? If you did not cause the problem at the apartment complex, why should you be responsible for haveing it taken care of separate and apart from what you agreed to in your written lease?
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