Roaches - how can you avoid buying a problem?

Question

Im looking at a triplex where one of the units is occupied by a very elderly hoarder and there are roaches everywhere.  I am trying to figure out how to purchase this without 1. Roaches being a problem for the neighboring units and 2. Get them exterminated out of that unit without evicting the elderly tenant.

Seller is adamant that it just needs another exterminator trip but I don’t see how that will resolve it long term. Any creative solutions along the lines of making them responsible for two years of bug treatments or delivering it empty?

If, instead, the price is good enough to make it my problem - any solutions for fixing the problem besides evicting the hoarder, cleaning it out, and then fumigating?  And what are the chances it’ll impact the clean unit next door?  I’ve never had a roach problem before so I’m thinking through this.

Thanks for your help!

Bill B. · Answer

We all know “one more treatment” won’t solve the problem. If it would you could simply delay the closing until after that treatment and problem solved.

But ZERO “bug guys” say all you need is one treatment and you’ll never see or pay me again, guaranteed.

Is the “hoarder” a true hoarder with floor to ceiling waste/junk in every room (a threat to the building and maybe mentally unstable.) or just a collector of nicknacks and stuff? You need a BIG discount for a true hoarder, the collector will never move and could be a small asset. Good luck.

Tenzapa Wakombe · Answer

I’d recommend making the tenant responsible for ongoing pest control by adding it to the lease for two years of treatments. You could structure it as part of the lease agreement, ensuring the tenant covers regular extermination visits, especially if it’s a recurring issue.

As for the hoarding situation, I’ve found it helpful to work with professional organizers who specialize in helping elderly tenants and hoarders. This could help with the cleanup while keeping things respectful and non-invasive.

For the neighboring unit, I’d suggest sealing cracks around doors and windows and using pest control strips in shared walls to create a barrier. That should minimize the risk of roaches spreading.

Jules Aton · Answer

I wouldn’t keep hoarder tenant. If a true hoarder that isn’t something that generally resolves and will likely result in multiple problems, hazards for the entire building as time goes on.

Roaches - how can you avoid buying a problem?

Most Popular Reply