Owner and Renter Bed Bug Situation

by Miz
(LA)

Hi, recently came to find out that the apartment I'm renting now was previously infested with bed bugs. The owner rented the apt to my family and now most of my furniture is infested with bed bugs. She has gone ahead and had the place exterminated but they keep coming back. We've gone ahead and thrown all the feared furniture but they seem to continue biting. Is there anything I can do to get a lawsuit on the owner. Thank you

Editor Comment Bed Bug Apartment Issue

If you live in Louisiana and have discovered a bed bug infestation in your apartment that the landlord failed to disclose, you may be able to take legal action against the landlord.

Under Louisiana law, landlords have a legal obligation to provide safe and habitable housing for their tenants. This includes taking reasonable steps to prevent and control bed bug infestations. If the landlord knew or should have known about a bed bug infestation and failed to disclose it to you, they may be liable for any damages you have suffered as a result.

To pursue legal action against the landlord, you may want to consider contacting a local attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law. They can advise you on your legal rights under Louisiana law and help you pursue compensation for any damages you have suffered.

You should document everything related to the infestation, including photos of the bed bugs and their bites, copies of any communications with the landlord, and receipts for any expenses you have incurred. This documentation will be important evidence in any legal proceedings.

Additionally, you may want to contact the Louisiana Department of Health to report the bed bug infestation. They may be able to conduct an inspection of the property and take enforcement action against the landlord if they find that the property is not in compliance with housing standards.

Remember to act quickly to address the bed bug infestation, as they can quickly spread and cause significant damage.

Best of luck,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook