Rialto Bedbug Lawyer

Bedbug infestations in your rental home or apartment not only cause inconvenience but can also pose a health risk, make your residence uninhabitable, and incur significant expenses if you have to replace bedding, clothing, and furniture. Under California Civil Code § 1941.2, landlords have a duty, also called the implied warranty of habitability, to provide habitable premises for their tenants. This duty includes ensuring that your dwelling is free from pests, such as rodents, termites, and bedbugs.

If bedbugs are present in your rental property, the infestation is considered a habitability issue. If your landlord fails to fix the issue after being notified, you need the help of an attorney. A Rialto bedbug lawyer could guide you in exploring your options for legal action and ensuring that you receive adequate compensation.

What Are Potential Remedies for Tenants in a Bedbug Case?

State law provides tenants with several options to remedy bedbug infestations. The first step is to contact the landlord directly and request assistance. We recommend that you provide written notice and keep a record of all communications.

They have 30 days to provide a solution. While it may be tempting to withhold rent from a landlord who refuses to provide pest control, it is advisable to continue paying rent until otherwise notified.

If the landlord refuses to acknowledge the bedbug issue or ignores the problem, you can fix it yourself and deduct the costs from your rent for up to one month’s rent and up to twice in 12 months. A tenant should also report the landlord to the local California housing authority and file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Lastly, contacting an expert bedbug attorney in Rialto to pursue a lawsuit could be your best course of action.

What Damages Can Tenants Recover in a Bedbug Claim?

Dealing with a bedbug infestation is expensive and can cause significant mental and physical distress. If your landlord in Rialto refuses to remedy the issue within the 30-day time frame, a bedbug lawyer could file a lawsuit on your behalf to ensure compliance with habitability laws, recover damages, and defend your rights as a tenant.

A tenant may potentially receive damages in a bedbug lawsuit, including:

  • Rent paid during the infestation period without the landlord’s remedial action
  • Expenses for repairs and remedies
  • Out-of-pocket expenses due to physical harm, including medical visits for skin irritation, blisters, bites, and allergic reactions
  • Emotional and mental distress
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Attorney fees

Your bedbug lawyer could recover punitive damages from the landlord, especially if they prove that the landlord had similar issues in the past and refused to fix them.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Rialto Bedbug Attorney

Bedbug infestations can disrupt your life and cause distress. If you are unsure how to proceed with legal action against your landlord, working with a Rialto bedbug lawyer could help you recover the money and peace of mind lost tackling pest issues in your rental.

Our dedicated, hardworking attorneys could explore every avenue to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You do not have to pay us upfront, we only win if you do. Contact our experienced, compassionate team at CD Law today to schedule your free initial consultation.