Extermination Charges to Tenant

[priyathanigai]

I live in Dallas, Texas.

I found a problem with bed bugs and called my landlord to report it.
They immediately said they would charge me 600$ for the extermination because they could prove it started in my apartment after inspecting.
This is more than 2/3rds my rent.
Is there anything I can do to prevent them from charging me this amount?
There is a clause in the lease about my having to pay for "physical damage" but it does not mention anything about bed bugs or extermination charges.

I guess I could have kept quiet since I am due to move out of the apartment in three months : (

Thanks for any advice.

-PT

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

You might look into checking out local exterminators to find one that will spray your apartment for less than this $600 charge.

Gail

 

[army judge]

Gail's advice is very wise.
But, if you don't pay, they are probably still going to try and charge you.
You do know, I hope, that if you move; without killing the "bed bugs", you'll only take them with you!

 

[priyathanigai]

Thanks gail. I checked with the apt and they will only allow approved vendors a.k.a people they send.
I'm not sure how they intend to prove that the bedbugs were from my apartment but feel like they are going to charge me anyway.

I did not intend to take the bed bugs with me when I moved. I would have just gotten rid of my bedding which would have been much cheaper than the 600$ I am having to pay now.

Thanks,
PT