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Can I sue my landlord for a roach infestation?

I’ve lived in my apartment for six months. Recently, I started noticing roaches everywhere. I am so grossed out! My landlord says they aren’t responsible for getting rid of them, but I don’t think I should have to pay! Can I sue my landlord for the roach infestation?

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Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this is happening; I know it must be stressful. Whether you can sue your landlord depends on your state’s tenant laws and your lease.
In most cases, your landlord must provide a habitable home and living space for you as a new tenant. That said, once you sign your lease and begin living in the apartment, it may not be your landlord’s responsibility to pay for extermination services.
While it’s normally the landlord’s responsibility, your lease could have a stipulation that you as a tenant are responsible for managing pest control. If it does, you would have to pay to eradicate the roaches or potentially pay for any damage they cause.
Additionally, some states have specific laws outlining what to do if your apartment has a roach infestation. In some cases, you may have to pay for the extermination and temporary living arrangements, but your landlord is required to reduce your rent. In other states, you may be allowed to break your lease if the infestation is severe.
If your lease states it’s your landlord’s responsibility to pay for pest control and they refuse, you can sue. However, lawsuits are incredibly expensive, so you’ll want to explore other options before resorting to finding a lawyer.
Another way to protect yourself in the future is by having a
renters insurance
policy in place.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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