Fleas and Flies

[Anthony Genna]

Hi all,

I own a multifamily structure with both units currently being rented out. Earlier this week I received an email from my tenants regarding a flea and fly infestation. They originally said they were sand fleas, but the exterminator called me today after inspecting the house and told me they were pet fleas. The downstairs tenant has two cats. He also told me the fly infestation were bottle flies and were a sanitation issue. Here are my questions:

1. Am I responsible for covering the cost of extermination if the cause of the infestations (cats and trash) are from the tenants?

2. If the cats are responsible for the fleas, can I charge the tenant for any flea extermination if the fleas return after I have paid for the first extermination?

3. Am I responsible for covering the cost of extermination if the bottle flies are caused by sanitation issues, and I have observed tenants dirty dishes lying in sinks, empty bottles lying around apartments, and trash put out on the back porch?

I know some of these questions are specific to my circumstances, but if anyone has any guidance or experience with similar issues I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anthony