Termites - Landlord Forum thread 255792

Termites by Eloise (FL) on May 21, 2012 @12:21

Hello everyone! I am actually asking on behalf of a friend, because I did not know the answer, she rented a place, and in her lease, the landlord made her responsible for termite control {specifically, not only "pest control", but also "wood eating pests" in a clause}, I thought that was odd, in my lease with my tenants, we talk about "pest control" but I have a separate bond with a company regarding termite control, because I want to protect my property from that, and I also personally think it's my responsibility but I don't know if this is a law or a normal thing? Can anyone clarify? The property she is renting is in FL.
Thanks in advance.

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Re: Termites by Anna Mouse on May 21, 2012 @13:01	[ Reply ]

This is what I found after an easy search: 83.51. Landlord's obligation to maintain premises (2)(a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1), the landlord of a dwelling unit other than a single-family home or duplex shall, at all times during the tenancy, make reasonable provisions for: 1. The extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms, and bedbugs. When vacation of the premises is required for such extermination, the landlord shall not be liable for damages but shall abate the rent. The tenant shall be required to temporarily vacate the premises for a period of time not to exceed 4 days, on 7 days' written notice, if necessary, for extermination pursuant to this subparagraph Not sure but seems the way I read it that it is the LL's responsibility unless it is stated in the lease otherwise?

Re: Termites

Re: Termites by MrDan (Georgia) on May 21, 2012 @15:04	[ Reply ]

Of course, when the landlord's lease state's that it is the responsibility of the tenant for pest control, that it implies that the rental was free of pest at that time. Florida law implies good faith in the landlord/tenant relationship with lease terms and conditions. If the landlord cared about the rental property, they should act and prevent any terminite damage from occuring by having a Pest control company come by annually at the least to check for terminites and damage. Why would the landlord depend on the tenant to do so? It also seems that this has been an on going problem that the landlord knows about, or should have been aware of. Your friend has several option, contact the local Health Department, contact Code Enforcement, contact the local Building Department, have an attorney issue a 'seven day notice of repair' to the landlord under Florida law to have the landlord correct the damage and exterminate the terminites.

Re: Termites