Landlord says the bed bugs are my fault and I have to pay
CAanon_renter1 month ago
Bed bugs in my unit. Landlord sent me a bill for $1,200 in extermination. Says it's my fault.
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✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
In most jurisdictions, infestation of common areas or unknown origin is the landlord's responsibility under the implied warranty of habitability. To shift cost to the tenant, the landlord typically has to prove the tenant brought them in (negligence). Their saying so isn't enough. In CA, the Civil Code requires landlords of multi-unit buildings to provide bed-bug disclosure on lease and to treat infestations they're notified of. Refuse to pay the bill in writing, request the inspection report and treatment records, and contact code enforcement / your local rent board. Tenants are often successful here.
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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.