How do you even start suing your landlord over pest issues?

Landlord Tenant Forum
1

So I’ve got a pest infestation problem at my place and already told my landlord. I’ve also got proof, emails, pics, all that. But IDK what the next step is if I wanna actually sue. Has anyone gone through this before or know how it works?

2

Yeah, you can actually sue them in small claims court. It’s called a constructive eviction if the place is basically unlivable.

3

Zephyr said:
Yeah, you can actually sue them in small claims court. It’s called a constructive eviction if the place is basically unlivable.

constructive eviction? never heard of that… what does that mean?

4

@Oak
it’s when the landlord messes up so bad that the apartment becomes uninhabitable. like if it’s full of pests and they don’t fix it, you can claim that.

5

@Oak
yup, and you gotta prove a few things like you gave them notice, they ignored it, and you had to leave because of it.

6

Make sure you have solid documentation—pics, emails, maintenance requests. That stuff is super important if you’re gonna take legal action.

7

Jordan said:
Make sure you have solid documentation—pics, emails, maintenance requests. That stuff is super important if you’re gonna take legal action.

yeah I’ve got all that saved. just wasn’t sure what to do with it, lol.

8

Did you already move out or are you still living there? Cuz if you left due to the pests and they didn’t respond, that helps your case.

9

Drew said:
Did you already move out or are you still living there? Cuz if you left due to the pests and they didn’t respond, that helps your case.

still here, but I’m seriously thinking about bouncing if it doesn’t get fixed soon.

10

Drew said:
Did you already move out or are you still living there? Cuz if you left due to the pests and they didn’t respond, that helps your case.

fyi, to claim constructive eviction, you usually have to actually vacate. it’s one of the legal requirements.

11

You can talk to a tenant rights lawyer too. Some offer free consultations and might do a quick call to walk you through it.

12

Sky said:
You can talk to a tenant rights lawyer too. Some offer free consultations and might do a quick call to walk you through it.

oh that’s helpful, didn’t know they did phone calls for stuff like this.

13

Sky said:
You can talk to a tenant rights lawyer too. Some offer free consultations and might do a quick call to walk you through it.

yeah I actually said I’d prefer a phone call. figured it’d be easier to talk it through that way.

14

Don’t wait too long. If they’re not fixing it and you’ve already told them, that’s already strike one. Get legal help asap if you can.

15

Caden said:
Don’t wait too long. If they’re not fixing it and you’ve already told them, that’s already strike one. Get legal help asap if you can.

for real. landlords can be real slow unless there’s pressure.