The lowest quote I received is $1400 for a heat treatment. The bug company told me that chemical spraying only works if done monthly over 6 months for around $700. I don't have that kind of money laying around or the luxury of paying a mortgage and rent for 6 months while the apt is being treated. I can't understand why the landlord shouldn't have to pay for my side when she paid for the other side. The only reference I could find in PA law is:
In Pennsylvania, tenants are protected by the Implied Warranty of Habitability, which guarantees “at a minimum . . . the premises must be safe and sanitary.” Pugh v. Holmes, 384 A.2d 1234. As discussed in a prior blog article, the implied warranty protects against “(a) lack of hot water; (b) lack of heat; (c) leaky roof; (d) infestation (****roaches, mice, and lice); (e) broken steps at the front and back doors to the property; (f) defective wiring; (g) defective windows; (h) overflowing toilets; (i) presence of lead paint; and (j) improper ventilation for a heating system.” While the issue has not yet been specifically addressed by the appellate courts, there is little reason to believe that bed bugs will not be treated as other infestations and, therefore, bed bugs are the responsibility of the landlord.
Can anyone confirm / deny this? Or is it up to a judge? I'm planning on treating my stuff before we move as much as possible - but looking ahead, can I sue her if my new house is infested being that she knew about the apartment infestation and did nothing? Can I sue to get my security deposit back if she keeps it to pay for bedbugs?
Sorry for the wall of text but I've gotten nowhere in phonecalls to lawyers, housing authorities, and health/code people over the last 2 weeks.