Rodent Infestation Attorney in California

Rats and other pests can wreak havoc on a rental property, leading to health risks and property damage. If your landlord has ignored a rat or pest infestation, you may have the right to take legal action to protect your health and rights. The Castelblanco Law Group specializes in helping tenants hold negligent landlords accountable for unresolved pest issues. With extensive experience in California tenant law, we can help you recover damages for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by rodent and pest infestations.

Can I sue my landlord for pest infestations in my apartment?

Yes, tenants have the right to take legal action if their landlord neglects to address pest infestations such as rats, mice or insects. In California, landlords are obligated by law to provide habitable living conditions, which includes ensuring the property is free from health hazards like pest infestations. If a landlord fails to address a pest problem after being informed, they could be legally liable for negligence. Consulting with a pest infestation lawyer can help tenants understand their legal options and pursue compensation.

Tenants must understand that habitability is a core legal requirement. A property infested with rats, mice, or other pests becomes unsafe, posing risks to the tenant’s health and the overall quality of life. Landlords who do not immediately resolve these issues can be sued, especially if the infestation leads to serious health complications or property damage.

Key Legal Rights:

Tenants are entitled to live in safe, sanitary conditions without pest infestations.
Landlords must make repairs necessary to eliminate rats or other pests and restore habitability.
Tenants may sue for negligence or breach of contract if landlords fail to resolve the issue.

Health Risks of Rat Infestations

Rat infestations are more than just a nuisance; they can pose significant health risks to tenants. Rats are known carriers of various diseases, and prolonged exposure to a rat-infested environment can lead to physical and mental health issues. Tenants living in such conditions may suffer from respiratory problems, infections, and even serious diseases transmitted through rat urine, droppings, and bites.

Beyond physical illness, the mental toll of living with a persistent infestation should not be underestimated. A constant fear of contamination and the stress of dealing with an unresponsive landlord can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These risks make it imperative for tenants to take action when faced with a rodent and pest problem.

DANGERS OF BREATHING RODENT URINE

Tenants living with rodent infestations can get sick due to the droppings, urine, saliva, and contaminated food. It's possible to contract Hantavirus, a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory disease.

ASTHMA DUE TO RODENTS

Exposure to rodents can trigger asthma attacks. High levels of rodent allergens in an apartment, for example, can be transmitted through the air and cause tenants to experience breathing difficulties, especially in young children.

DEAD RODENTS SMELL

The smell of dead rodents can be harmful to people's health, especially for tenants who constantly must set traps. The toxic gases from a dead rodent can cause even more serious illnesses.

DISEASES CAUSED BY RODENTS

Rats can carry numerous diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonella, and Lyme disease. Over time, exposure to droppings, urine, and contamination can lead to health problems, such as chronic respiratory issues.

FOOD POISONING FROM RODENTS

If rodent feces contaminate your food, they can cause Salmonella, whose symptoms include severe stomach upset, diarrhea, fever, pain, and cramps. While deaths from Salmonella are rare, it is extremely painful and easily contracted by children.

MENTAL HEALTH

For tenants, living with rodents, cockroaches, and bedbugs can lead to negative psychological manifestations. These manifestations may include nightmares, anxiety, and insomnia. Exposure to rats can also cause headaches, dizziness, and stomach pains.

What to Do If Your Landlord Ignores a Rat Infestation

If your landlord ignores your complaints about a rat and pest infestation, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself and your rights. Start by documenting all communications with your landlord, including emails, letters, and phone calls reporting the infestation. Take photos or videos of the rats, droppings, and damage to support your claim.

Next, consider reporting the issue to your local health department or housing authority. In California, landlords are legally required to maintain habitable living conditions, and unresolved pest issues could result in fines or other penalties. Finally, if your landlord continues to ignore the problem, seek legal advice from a tenant lawyer who can help you file a lawsuit for damages or rent reduction.

Is your landlord failing to fumigate effectively? You may have a legal case.

Attorney Eric Castelblanco explains your Tenants Rights and how can help you.

$ +200 M

RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS SINCE 1997.

We have represented over 10,000 tenants in successful lawsuits against negligent landlords. Let us help you.

How Can a Tenant Lawyer Help Me Deal With a Rat Infestation?

A tenant lawyer can provide invaluable support when dealing with an unresolved rat infestation. They will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and fairly compensated for damages. Legal representation is crucial, especially in cases where the landlord refuses to cooperate or tries to deny responsibility for the pest problem.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Castelblanco Law Group handle lawsuits where only rodents are present?

No, Castelblanco does not handle rodent-only cases. We are pest infestation attorneys, and tenants must have other pests to be considered for a case. Aside from facing rat or mice issues, other pests such as cockroaches and bed bugs also need to be present.

What to Do if a Rat Is in Your Apartment?

If you find a rat in your apartment, act quickly to prevent the infestation from worsening. Seal any food in airtight containers, clean up any crumbs or spills, and block possible entry points. If possible, notify your landlord immediately in writing, documenting the issue with photos. If your landlord doesn’t respond, consider contacting a tenant lawyer.

Whose Responsibility is it to Get Rid of Rats?

In most cases, the landlord must ensure the rental property is free from pests, including rats. Under California law, landlords must maintain a habitable living environment, which includes addressing pest infestations. If your landlord neglects to resolve the issue, you may be able to take legal action.

What Are the Dangers of a Rat Infestation?

Rat infestations can lead to serious health risks, including diseases like Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Rat-Bite Fever. Rats can also cause property damage by chewing through wires and furniture. The psychological stress of living with a rat infestation can also negatively affect mental health.

What Is the Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Rats?

Professional pest control services are the most effective way to eliminate rats. A combination of traps, baits, and sealing entry points can help eliminate the infestation. Regularly cleaning and removing potential food sources also helps prevent the return of rats.

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Rats in Walls?

Depending on the severity of the infestation and the methods used, eliminating rats in walls typically takes a few days to a week. Professional exterminators can quickly identify entry points and set up traps or bait stations to eliminate the rats.

How Do You Get Rid of Rats Permanently?

To permanently eliminate rats, seal all potential entry points, such as wall cracks or pipe gaps. Keep your living area clean, especially food storage areas, and use professional pest control services to set traps and monitor the situation. Regularly inspecting your home for signs of pests can also help prevent future infestations.

Can Living With Rats Make You Sick?

Yes, living with rats can make you sick. Rats can spread diseases such as Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella through urine, droppings, and bites. In addition, their fur and waste can trigger respiratory issues like asthma, making it critical to address infestations quickly.

Is Breathing Rat Urine Harmful?

Yes, breathing in particles from dried rat urine can be harmful. It can lead to respiratory issues, including severe lung infections and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of contracting diseases like Hantavirus, which can be life-threatening.

Castelblanco Law Group has 27 years of experience representing tenants living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions due to negligent property owners.

OUR STORY

CONTACT CASTELBLANCO LAW GROUP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW

If you are dealing with a rat or mouse infestation in your rental property, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. The Castelblanco Law Group has extensive experience representing tenants affected by rodent and pest infestations. We understand the toll pest problems can take on your health and well-being, and we’re here to help you hold your landlord accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you determine whether you have grounds for legal action.

WE APPRECIATE OUR CLIENTS’ POSITIVE REVIEWS

Castelblanco Law Group is dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for our clients. We specialize in legal cases involving tenants living in pest-infested apartments due to negligent landlords, as well as personal injuries resulting from auto, truck, or Uber accidents, and cases of child lead poisoning. Our commitment is to improve our clients’ lives by securing the justice and compensation they deserve.

HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF A PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT?

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a personal injury accident, Castelblanco is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Excellent people to work with, friendly and hardworking staff, always fighting for our rights!

| Client

Very grateful for the settlement that Eric Castelblanco and his team secured for my family and my neighbors who joined the lawsuit. We complained to the management company about the purchase infestation and how the building manager was not performing his duties and following protocols. Lawyer Castelblanco delivered an incredible monetary settlement that will allow my family to have our own place.

| Client

The best lawyers I've had the pleasure of working with. They are very attentive and will keep you informed of any details regarding your case. I highly recommend turning to them with your cases. They will change your life for the better.

| Client

The best thing about Lawyer Castelblanco is that he is very noble, highly professional, and sincere. He is the best in Los Angeles. God bless you.

| Client

My family and I appreciate Lawyer Castelblanco for his hard work, for being a lawyer who speaks with honesty, and for fighting for us. Thank you very much, Lawyers.

| Client

"Castelblanco is an incredible law firm!!! My family and I will be eternally grateful for the hard work, dedication, and patience of their teams with our case. Everyone there was of great help, but we want to give a huge thanks to lawyer Eric and his team. Amazing people and even more amazing lawyers!"

| Client

“I have no words to thank you for everything you did for my family. We are very happy and proud to see our goal achieved, and you made this dream come true. Today we have our new home! A thousand thanks, I recommend you if anyone is going through any situation with cockroach infestations, rats, and harassment, call them without hesitation!”

| Client

the lawyers helped my family and I highly recommend them.

| Client

Rodent Infestation Attorney in California

Can I sue my landlord for pest infestations in my apartment?

Health Risks of Rat Infestations

DANGERS OF BREATHING RODENT URINE

ASTHMA DUE TO RODENTS

DEAD RODENTS SMELL

DISEASES CAUSED BY RODENTS

FOOD POISONING FROM RODENTS

MENTAL HEALTH

What to Do If Your Landlord Ignores a Rat Infestation

RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS SINCE 1997.

We have represented over 10,000 tenants in successful lawsuits against negligent landlords. Let us help you.

How Can a Tenant Lawyer Help Me Deal With a Rat Infestation?

Benefits of Hiring a Tenant Lawyer:

Dealing With Mice or Rats in Your Rental

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Castelblanco Law Group handle lawsuits where only rodents are present?

What to Do if a Rat Is in Your Apartment?

Whose Responsibility is it to Get Rid of Rats?

What Are the Dangers of a Rat Infestation?

What Is the Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Rats?

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Rats in Walls?

How Do You Get Rid of Rats Permanently?

Can Living With Rats Make You Sick?

Is Breathing Rat Urine Harmful?

Castelblanco Law Group has 27 years of experience representing tenants living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions due to negligent property owners.

CONTACT CASTELBLANCO LAW GROUP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW

WE APPRECIATE OUR CLIENTS’ POSITIVE REVIEWS