What is the landlord's responsibility to take care of a mouse infestation problem?
Question Details:
In early fall, removed a ceiling cap in my living room in order to install an overhead light and discovered mouse droppings. I verbally informed landlord of possible mouse issue. No action was taken. Early winter, began audibly hearing mice in the ceiling, and they entered my unit. Caught a mouse in a glass jar and photographed. Sent stern letter to regional manager included photos of ceiling cap feces and jarred mouse. Manager insinuated my claim was not legitimate, and "his people" would have to catch a live mouse. Found more feces in master bathroom air vent yesterday.
All leases come with an "implied warranty of habitabilty" which means the apartment must be safely habitable. A significant mouse infestation, with its health issues, may mean the landlord is in violation of that warranty. While it's reasonable to require some evidence or proof, it's probably unreasonable to require a live mouse when there is other ample evidence. You could, if necessary, bring a legal action, including in housing or small claims court, to force your landlord to address this. Since this may be a violation of health codes, you could also try contacting your municipal department of health; they may then inspect and bring pressure to bear on the landlord.
