Can You Break a Lease Because of Termites?
WouterIf you live in an apartment or house that is infested with termites, it can be very difficult to decide whether or not to break a lease. In some cases, the cost of repair may be offset by your landlord’s rent. However, in other cases, you could be on the hook for the full cost.
If you have a termite infestation, it’s important that you notify your landlord as soon as you notice the problem. You can either hire a professional to inspect the home for termites or do the work yourself.
If your landlord does not act to rid the place of the pests, you may be able to break a lease. This is especially true if the infestation has made your living quarters uninhabitable. You may need to provide proof that the issue is a preventable one.
Some states have laws that legally obligate landlords to take care of pest problems. In California, for example, you can break a lease if you cannot rent your home because of a mice infestation.
However, this does not mean that your landlord can legally force you to leave. Instead, your landlord will be required to try to find a tenant for your home. In some states, you can even break a lease if you can prove that your home is uninhabitable.
In other cases, you might be able to break a lease without any penalty. If you can prove that the termites have caused significant damage to your rental unit, you may be able to get out of your lease.
