questions & answers

Question: I was just given a 5 day eviction notice saying, I didn't pay my rent. The notice statement included bed bug extermination, into my rent. I am also being charged a late fee and taxes added onto both extermination and my rent. I paid my rent on the 3rd, on time. Is it legal for them to evict me, by adding the bed bug extermination to my rent? It was in dispute, as was handled properly by myself. Continued bed bug infestation in building & complex. A few residents in my building also had them much worse, when I filed complaint

Answer: A tenant who believes that a 5-day notice received from the landlord contains misstatements and/or errors should respond to the landlord in writing within the 5 day period to clarify why the landlord is mistaken. If the landlord proceeds to file an eviction complaint against the tenant, then the tenant should file an answer to the complaint with the court and also attend the eviction hearing in order to explain the situation to the judge. There is no specific legal rule that grants a landlord the right to charge a tenant for bedbug remediation.