Can You Break Your Lease If Your Landlord Has Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a very common problem in rentals. They are a nuisance and can make tenants unhappy. However, landlords can’t just ignore them. They need to perform regular bed bug inspections to keep their rental units pest-free. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences. If the landlord doesn’t fix the infestation, he or she can be sued for damages.

To break a lease due to bed bugs, tenants must give their landlord sufficient notice, which can vary from state to state. They also must give the landlord the time necessary to eliminate the problem. Otherwise, they risk being sued or ordered to pay for the months they rented. For this reason, tenants should seek the advice of an attorney before breaking a lease. It’s also a good idea to gather evidence of the infestation, such as photos of the bed bugs or other pests.

If the infestation is severe, you may be able to break your lease. However, if the bugs have already damaged your possessions, it may not be enough to cause you to break your lease. If the infestation is severe enough, the landlord may decide to sue you for the rent and damages. Alternatively, you may be able to break your contract if the infestation was so severe that it constituted a constructive eviction.

If you suspect that your landlord is hiding bed bugs, you should contact the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). They will send an inspector to your property and will post a notice of violation online within a week. Once the landlord has received your complaint, they will have 30 days to get rid of the infestation.