Can I Sue my Landlord for Rats and Mice in my Apartment?

Rats and other household pests can make it difficult, if not impossible, to live in your own home. When you are renting a property, you have the right to habitable conditions, including premises that are free of rodents. The laws in California allow you to take action against a landlord for failure to call pest control and resolve an infestation in your apartment.

Normandie Law Firm has attorneys that specialize in tenant – landlord disputes, including unresolved pest infestations. We have a proven track record of settlements on behalf of tenants whose rights were violated. Let us help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, relocation costs, and other damages you rightfully deserve from a negligent landlord.

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Can I Sue My Landlord for a Rodent Infestation?

Yes, you have the right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your physical injuries, emotional suffering, and monetary losses that are associated with a pest infestation. You must notify your landlord of the problem and give them a chance to rectify the situation. If they ignore your request or fail to get things under control, you have the right to file a claim for health hazards in your apartment.

At the end of the day, a property infested with mice, rats, cockroaches, and other pests is not habitable under the laws in California. A landlord should not be allowed to get away with putting your health and quality of life at risk. Landlords that fail to take care of pest infestations can be sued for negligence when tenants experience health issues and property damage as a result of rats and mice on the property.

The Dangers of Living with a Rat Infestation

Having mice and rats in your home is not just a nuisance; these critters pose serious health risks to you and others in your home. Rats are carriers of diseases that can cause death, along with permanent respiratory conditions. These conditions develop from transmission via rat droppings and urine, and from being bitten by rats.

Aside from physical injuries, the emotional trauma of living with an infestation must not be underestimated. Tenants represented by us are left with a lifelong fear of rodents and other mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. This is why landlords must take immediate action to eradicate pests on the property and stop the issue from getting worse. Possible risks of a rodent infestation in your apartment include: 

• Asthma – being exposed to rodents can trigger breathing problems, including asthma. It is conclusively proven that rodent allergens in the air can trigger asthma attacks, especially among children.
• Smell of decomposition – dead rodents release toxic gases that are harmful to your health, so this is a major concern if you have to constantly set mice traps.
• Diseases – rats are carriers of multiple diseases, including hantavirus, salmonella, Lyme disease, and

  leptospirosis. These illnesses are caused by exposure to urine and dropping, which can lead to long-term health issues like breathing problems.

• Food poisoning – you can end up getting sick if your food is contaminated with rodent droppings. People living with a rat infestation often develop diarrhea, fever, cramps, and other signs of food poisoning.
• Mental health issues – living with rodents and other pests can have a serious effect on your mental health. Many people who are forced to live under these conditions need therapy for anxiety, insomnia, phobias, and other psychological disorder. You may also have stomach pains, dizziness, and frequent headaches from exposure to mice and rats.

What can I Do if My Landlord Ignores an Infestation?

Has your landlord ignored your complaints about rats and mice in your apartment? It’s crucial to protect your rights and lay the foundation for a lawsuit, whether you ultimately proceed with litigation or not. Make sure to state all your complaints in writing and save a copy for yourself, along with anything else you sent to your landlord, such as photos, receipts, etc. If you speak to your landlord on the phone, keep a written log of what was discussed and the date and time of the call. If you see any mice or rats, droppings, and property damage, make sure to take photos or video to use as physical evidence.

We strongly urge you to file a complaint with your local housing authority or health department. Under California law, landlords must maintain what is known as “habitable living conditions,” and failure to resolve pest infestations are subject to fines and other penalties. For more information on how to file a claim with the Department of Housing or any other government agency, contact our law firm as soon as possible.

How Can a Tenant Rights Lawyer Help Me?

We can’t get rid of the pests for you, but our attorneys can help you take legal action for an unresolved mice or rat infestation. The truth is, tenants have little to no knowledge of the legal system, and this puts them at a disadvantage when a landlord fails to provide habitable living conditions. A California tenant lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and walk you through the legal system one step at a time. We can also advise you on any settlement offers and make sure that you are properly compensated. It’s very common for landlords to deny liability and refuse to work with you, and this is why legal representation is crucial, right from the start.

Reach Out to Us for a Free Case Review

If you are living with a rodent infestation in your apartment or any other rental property, please know that you can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our attorneys have decades of experience in fighting for the rights of California tenants and ensuring that negligent landlords pay for breaking the law.

We know that pests like mice and rats cause serious health issues, including psychological trauma. Such problems can also take a toll on your finances, and that’s one of the reasons you may be hesitant to seek legal advice. At Normandie Law Firm, we operate on contingency, and that means all legal fees are collected at the end, once your settlement funds are recovered from the other party. We also have a Zero Fee Guarantee policy, so if we don’t win your case, you owe us $0.

Your health and well-being are priceless, so don’t wait for things to get worse. Please get in touch to receive a free consultation from a lawyer that specializes in apartment pest infestation lawsuits.

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