Can a landlord evict tenants because tenants refuse to do bed bug treatment?

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Can a landlord evict tenants because tenants refuse to do bed bug treatment?

My boyfriend and I moved in this apartment 2 months ago. We found 2 bed bugs and informed our landlord. They insisted on doing a chemical treatment in our apartment and want us to pay for $1350. We refuse; they sent us a next-day eviction yesterday.

Asked on September 12, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Georgia

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Sometimes state law outlines a tenant's rights and responsibilities regarding extermination. However, the first course of action in such a case is to review the terms of your lease, if you have a written agreement. The cost and responsibility for extermination are most likley outlined there. If not, contact a local tenant's rights group. They can more than likely assist you; $1350 seems a steep price too pay. Otherwise, you can consult with an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant cases for guidance.

Just note, if your refusal does in fact constititute a breach of your lease, yourlalnldlord is withn their legal rights to sue for eviction.


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