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Unsafe Living Conditions

Rodents- Rates and Mice Infestation

Rats Dealing with pests such as mice or rats in your home is undoubtedly an unwelcome situation. These vermin not only bring dirt and disease but can also cause allergies and property damage. Unfortunately, many tenants in the Los Angeles area find themselves contending with rodent infestations in their rental units.
If you’re experiencing disturbing noises, finding droppings on floors and furniture, or catching sight of rodents skittering along the walls, you’re not alone. In fact, pest control company Orkin has ranked Los Angeles as the second most rat-infested city in the US.
As a tenant in Los Angeles facing a rodent infestation, it’s important to know that you have options. Seeking legal assistance can help ensure that your landlord takes the necessary steps to restore your rental home to a safe, comfortable, and pest-free environment. Additionally, a lawyer can advocate for fair compensation for any damages incurred due to the infestation.
If you’re dealing with rats or mice in your Los Angeles rental, don’t hesitate to speak with us today for guidance and support in addressing this issue.

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Damages from Rodent

A rodent infestation can have a substantial impact on both your well-being and property, leading to:
  • 1. Physical symptoms resulting from rodents:
    Rodents can carry various diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis. These can be directly transmitted to humans through rat urine or drippings or indirectly via fleas and ticks that have fed on infected rats.
  • 2. Destroyed personal property:
    Infested items are often damaged beyond repair, necessitating replacement, which can be a significant financial burden.
  • 3. Pest Control Cost:
    The expenses associated with hiring professional pest control services to address and eliminate the infestation.
  • 4. Hotel or other rental costs:
    If the infestation forces you to temporarily vacate your home, the costs of alternative accommodation during treatment.
  • 5. Lost sleep and elevated stress levels:
    The emotional toll of dealing with a rodent infestation, including disrupted sleep patterns and increased stress.
While certain aspects of the impact may be challenging to quantify in monetary terms, Giragossian Law can assist you in comprehending your case and pursuing legal action to recover damages.
If you believe that filing a lawsuit could be a viable solution to address a rodent infestation in your rental home, don’t hesitate to consult with Giragossian Law today for guidance and support.

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Dealing with Rodents

When contending with a rodent infestation, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even fearful. The process of eliminating rodents is both time-consuming and costly, and navigating through pest control, insurance claims, and landlord issues can compound the stress. Despite the challenges, you are not alone. As a victim of a rodent infestation, you possess legal rights, and we are here to safeguard them. An experienced habitability attorney can provide the assistance you need to secure support and compensation that aligns with your rights and addresses the challenges posed by a rodents infestation.

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Landlords Duty

Under California law, landlords are typically given around 30 days to address habitability issues. If there has been no response from your landlord or if a remediation company hasn’t visited your rental within this timeframe, it becomes crucial to take steps to ensure your rental is a safe living space.
If a mold/mildew issue persists beyond the 30-day period following an official complaint, here are some options to consider:
  • 1. Take independent action: You can hire a professional exterminator to address the problem. Ensure that the treatment cost does not exceed one month's rent, and retain the receipt to deduct the cost from your rent.
  • 2. Notify the appropriate governmental agency: Reach out to the relevant governmental agency in your city to report the issue and seek assistance.
  • 3. Consult with a tenant rights attorney: Contacting an experienced tenant rights attorney is advisable to assess your options and formulate an effective plan of action. Incorrectly executing the "repair and deduct" approach could result in significant financial losses.
For comprehensive guidance on your rights concerning cockroach infestations, it’s recommended to consult with a professional attorney from Giragossian Law. We may be able to assist you in navigating this challenging situation, ensuring habitable living conditions are maintained.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be evicted for reporting a rat infestation in my rental property?

Under California law (Civil Code Section 1942.5), it is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant for exercising their rights or making complaints about the habitability of a dwelling. Specifically:

Civil Code Section 1942.5: (a) If the lessor retaliates against the lessee because of the exercise by the lessee of the lessee’s rights under this chapter or because of the lessee’s complaint to an appropriate agency as to tenantability of a dwelling, and if the lessee of a dwelling is not in default as to the payment of rent, the lessor may not recover possession of a dwelling in any action or proceeding, cause the lessee to quit involuntarily, increase the rent, or decrease any services within 180 days of any of the following: This provision protects tenants from retaliatory actions by landlords and ensures that exercising their rights or reporting health and safety issues does not result in adverse consequences. If a landlord engages in retaliation within the specified timeframe, they may be prohibited from taking certain actions against the tenant.

Contact Giragossian Law for a free consultation to determine whether you may have a viable case.

Indicators of a significant rat infestation may manifest as visible rat droppings, evidence of gnawing, the presence of rat nests, and a noticeable surge in the rat population. If you observe these signs, it is crucial to take prompt action to safeguard both your health and property. Make sure to notify your landlord or property manager to give them the opportunity to address the issue. It is important to document the communication and evidence of the rodent infestation.
Preventative measures can include keeping your property clean, sealing any potential entry points, and regularly inspecting your property for signs of rats. However, it’s ultimately the landlord’s responsibility to maintain a pest-free environment.
If you’re facing a severe rodent infestation impacting your living conditions, you might be entitled to a rent reduction or compensation. Giragossian law can assist you in understanding your rights and potentially negotiating with your landlord.
The procedures for withholding rent or terminating a lease in response to a rodent infestation can differ based on local regulations and the stipulations of your lease agreement. It is crucial to seek guidance from a legal professional, such as Giragossian Law, to gain a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities tailored to your unique circumstances.

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