Can I Break My Lease Because of Ants?
WouterWhether you have ants, roaches, flies or any other pest in your apartment, it can be difficult to break your lease. In most jurisdictions, it is likely that you will need to document the problem in order to break the lease.
If you have multiple tenants, leave notices on doors and in elevators, and tell them to take care of the ants. If they fail to do so, the city or state health department may take action against the landlord.
If you live in a single family home, you will probably not need to break the lease. Those living in apartment buildings may have the option to break the lease peacefully.
Depending on your state, you may need to wait for a certain number of days before breaking the lease. You can break your lease by providing the landlord with a written notice stating the problem. In California, you can deduct the cost of an exterminator from your rent.
The cost of pest control can vary by state. The national average ranges from $108 to $260. If you live in Georgia, you may have to pay for the pest control services yourself.
If you’re having trouble with an ant infestation, you may want to consult with a tenant-landlord attorney. They can recommend the best course of action. The attorney can also give you advice on what to do if your landlord refuses to take action.
If you have multiple tenants, it is likely that your lease requires that each tenant takes responsibility for the pests in their rental unit. If your landlord ignores your complaints, you may be able to break your lease peacefully.
