Resources for tenants with a bad landlord-- health and sanitation issue?

Question

What are some good resouces for tenants with bad landlords?   
The house being rented has a HUGE mouse infestation-- you can hear them in the walls, see evidence of them on the kitchen counter & behind the fridge & washer & dryer. The mice can be so loud that they wake us up on the middle of the night getting into things, & every single dish has to be re-washed before we're able to use it. The mice aren't scared of people or dogs, & run across the floor right in front of us!! We had snap traps, electric traps, & even a high-pitched device designed to repel mice away. We've patched openings where they are entering & they've chewed right through them again. 
Help! This is SO unsanitary, especially with 2 children in the house. But the landlord will not do a thing about it, except say "Oh, summer will be here soon and they'll go back outside."
Isn't there somewhere to report him if he doesn't fix the problem? Are there laws I can reference, or codes to tell him he is violating? Thanks!

newmexicorealestateforms · Accepted Answer

You need to go to your state's web site and locate the landlord tenant laws usually you can find information on them in your state's attorney general's department. To go there click on the link below and go to your state and then click on Attorney General in your state's web site.
All US States Constitutions and Web sites: http://www.constitution.org/cons/usstcons.htm 
If you have noticed the landlord of the health hazards and you can prove having done that and the landlord has not fixed the problem your landlord has effectively given you what is called "constructive eviction"
Buena Suerte

pansy · Answer

Codes, no, I don't think there's a statutory provision against mice or unsanitary surroundings - but if you litigated, you probably would succeed... There's an English case something like this where the landlord failed to provide lighting and maintain the common area and was liable for negligence. The case name escapes me right now. You'll have a stronger case if someone actually suffered physical harm because of the infestation, though, like falling ill or bites or something. I doubt the inconvenience would qualify under private nuisance, though you could give it a shot. But first try calling up the local health authority. They might be able to do something about it, and then you wouldn't have to waste money litigating. :)

TheHatchTeam.com · Answer

Try this:
http://www.floridapirg.org/consumer/renters/rrpage1.htm
http://www.800helpfla.com/landlord_text.html

These are Florida web sites, where I am from, but you may be able to start there if you are in an other state. I am a property manager, and my first recommendation to you is to get a lawyer, and he/she will help you. You probably will have to put your rent into an account at the courthouse, and dispute with the landlord.

Angie · Answer

I think in your situation I would start with a call the the local health department.  If it's not the right place, they can probably refer you to the appropriate agency.  However keep in mind, if they come and inspect the property and find it to be uninhabitable, you may be "out on the street."

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Resources for tenants with a bad landlord-- health and sanitation issue?

4 Answers