California Apartment Association

Question: What are the guidelines for landlords regarding bedbugs? One of my tenants moved in and found a bedbug infestation after a week. She claims the unit had them. I maintain there were none and possibly her furniture became infested in storage. Who is responsible?

Answer: Liability would fall on the tenant if the landlord can prove there were no bedbugs in the unit prior to the tenant moving in. This could be done with circumstantial evidence such as testimony from the prior tenant. A pest control expert could also be hired to render their opinion as to the cause of the bedbug infestation.

Question: One of my two tenants on the lease moved out due to a job transfer. The remaining tenant would like to stay and pay the entire amount. Do I need to write up a new lease or simply prepare an addendum stating the remaining tenant is solely responsible?

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