Can I Break My Lease Because of Silverfish?
WouterHaving silverfish is not going to cause you to break your lease, but it might be worth your while to do what’s needed to control the infestation. There are two ways to do this: hire an exterminator to rid the apartment of the pests or deduct the cost of the treatment from your monthly rent.
The best way to go about addressing this issue is to talk to your landlord. While it may not be in your lease, the Residential Tenancy Act requires that your landlord maintain your rental property in good shape. If you can show that your landlord has failed to comply with this requirement, you might be able to get out of your lease early.
Another option is to use the services of a real estate lawyer. Many state rental laws allow you to break your lease if you can show that the landlord has been negligent in providing you with a habitable home. You may also want to request a full refund of the deposit.
Before you decide to break your lease, you should research your state’s rental laws. They will vary from city to city, so you will want to find out exactly what the law allows. Luckily, your local housing authority or real estate attorney should be able to help you. In general, the more you know about your local rules, the better equipped you will be to make smart decisions when leasing a new home.
