All Forum Posts by: Oliver T.

@Kar Sun, lesson learned about attorneys!  I've got enough documentation to show that we've been responsive, but not sure if I have a report from the last exterminator visit.  I'll be sure to get a report from pest control this time.  

@Charles Carillo, I don't currently have an RE attorney, but I've started doing a google search for one.  Their lease ends in two days, so I'm just trying to get them out with as little trouble as possible. 

Thanks both for your advice!

-Oliver 

I'm an absentee landlord renting out my old house.  I hired a local property manager to handle day-to-day issues and tenant relations.  Our tenant is a young attorney who never fails to remind us of her profession.  Months ago, they complained to my property manager about finding a rat in the garage.  We called pest-control immediately to trap and seal openings around the house.  The tenants complained again about continued rodent activity in the garage, and we called a second exterminator to come by.  The exterminator did not detect evidence of rodents on the second visit.  

Today, the tenant sent another angry message to the property manager, this time with photos of rat feces inside the house, claiming damages to their personal items and health problems.  This is the first time they've reported rodents inside the house, and they waited 4 days before notifying us.  They claim that we've done nothing to resolve the situation and claim that we are breaching state landlord/tenant code for health violation.  We've called the exterminator again, who will be visiting tomorrow.  They're asking for prorated rent, and demanding insurance to cover their damages.  They have stopped short of threatening legal action but are aggressive in their emails.  Their lease ends this month.  So far, I've let the property manager handle all communication with the tenant.  Is it time to lawyer up?