Is the landlord responsible to have mice and rats exterminated?

Attorney answers (2)

1. Licensed in CA

   

   Kenny Kean Tan

   Pomona Real Estate Attorney

   Contributor Level 15

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   Answered August 10, 2010 21:53. Generally speaking, if the landlord can't prove that tenant's conduct caused the rats or vermin problems, it is the landlord's responsibility to take care of it. You might want to review Health and Safety Code 17923 which defines what a substandard building is and talks about the presence of certain pests as a habitability issue.

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2. Licensed in CA

   

   Frances CampbellPro

   Sherman Oaks Landlord / Tenant Lawyer

   Contributor Level 15

   

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   Helpful vote

   Answered August 11, 2010 05:46. The landlord is absolutely responsible to ensure the rental unit is "substantially free" of rodents and vermin. See Civil Code sections 1941 and 1941.1. You are correct.

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