What to do if the tenant “handbook” states that we need to report any pest problems within 5 days of possession or it is our responsibility to deal with it?
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What to do if the tenant “handbook” states that we need to report any pest problems within 5 days of possession or it is our responsibility to deal with it?
I just moved into a rental house 9 days ago. We didn’t notice any bat problem until 6 days into our occupancy. We found out from a neighbor that the previous tenants discovered a problem a couple weeks ago. Upon the walk-through of the property, prior to possession, the property manager and I did see areas where the soffit was open to pests but nothing has been done to repair it. Do I have any rights as to them removing the bats and repairing the areas where they get in? According tostate law, bats must be removed by a licensed professional.
Asked on September 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I would immediately call and write your landlord advising him or her of the bat infestation issues and the need for such to be remedied by the landlord as soon as possible. Keep a copy of the letter for future use and need. Request that the landlord remove them by a set date and if not, you will have them removed where the landlord will be invoiced for the service.
If the due date for a response comes and goes, hire a professional bat removal person and have the landlord invoiced for the service.
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