Can I Break My Lease Because of Bed Bugs?
WouterIf you find that you are being forced to live with bed bugs in your home, you can break your lease. This can be a complicated matter and requires that you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Knowing these things can help you avoid legal entanglements down the road.
To get started, you should take photographs of the bugs and document the situation. You may also want to take your kids to the doctor if the bugs are causing them to get sick. You can also call the Property Standards Division of the City of Brampton to report the problem.
Once you have proof that your property has bedbugs, it’s time to approach your landlord. You should have a copy of the Form N11 with you and present it to your landlord with an explanation of your bedbug problem. You should note that the bedbugs are causing you great inconvenience and are unfit for habitation. If you are able to convince the landlord, you may even be able to come to an agreement.
If you can prove that you brought home abandoned furniture containing bedbugs, you may be able to break your lease. You can also contact your landlord to find out if you can get a rent abatement. The landlord is not required to treat the pests in your property, but they can be held responsible for any additional expenses that arise from them.
