There are few things more disgusting or distressing than a bedbug infestation. Thats why New York specifically has laws to protect tenants rights to a bedbug-free environment. <\/p>\n
Heres what you need to know. <\/p>\n
If you have bedbugs, your landlord has 30 days to correct this problem. Its considered a Class B violation, and they must both get rid of the infestation and keep your unit (and other affected units) from getting infected again. <\/p>\n
Its even possible to file a bedbug complaint online. <\/p>\n
First, of course, you should contact your landlord. Ask them to seal any cracks or crevices leading into your home, and ask them to hire a professional pest control service. Elderly and disabled residents even have the right to ask their landlord to help them move furniture or clean clutter to address bedbug problems. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, you need to take your own mitigation measureswash and dry both your clothing and your bedclothes on high heat for 30 minutes, or store them in a tightly-sealed plastic bag until you can wash them. Be aware that landlords arent required to reimburse you for dry cleaning or for having to replace a mattress or other piece of furniture. <\/p>\n
If your landlord refuses to seal the cracks in your unit, you can move on to a complaint. <\/p>\n
Sometimes landlords blame you, the tenant. And while you might have indeed accidentally brought in an infested suitcase by mistake, theyre still responsible for hiring a pest control service. You have a legal responsibility to report the bedbugs, not to try to sleuth out the source of the infestation. <\/p>\n
If your landlord is unresponsive or wont help because theyre dead set on blaming you, it may be time to work with a real estate lawyer. You can take your property owner to housing court to force them to stop neglecting the problem and to protect your rights if their posturing is a prelude to an eviction attempt. <\/p>\n
You yourself might be able to make a case for constructive eviction, leaving your apartment and terminating your lease, if your landlord refuses to fix such a serious issue. Either way, its unwise to start taking drastic legal steps unless youre working closely with a real estate lawyer. <\/p>\n
Are you struggling with bed bugs at your New York apartment? <\/p>\n
Contact our office to get help today! <\/p>\n
See also: <\/p>\n
What Are the Classes of Housing Violations in NYC? <\/p>\n
What to Do If Your New York Landlord Wont Make Repairs <\/p>\n
Tenant Eviction Defenses in New York City <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Go here to read the rest: There are few things more disgusting or distressing than a bedbug infestation. Thats why New York specifically has laws to protect tenants rights to a bedbug-free environment. Heres what you need to know. Continue reading
\nWhat NYC Tenants Should Know About Bedbugs - McAdams Law<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"