Tenant needing assistance ASAP, please

[jenperry212]

A month ago I moved into an apartment complex in CA that has an infestation of black widows. Not just outside my apartment, but around the entire complex. I understand there are always some spiders around, but it is extremely excessive.

The manager said there is nothing she can do about it, except spray a barrier at our doorways to prevent them from entering. She refused to do anything to reduce their numbers or control their reproduction (and there are egg sacks all over). I know it can be fixed because I contacted pest control businesses who said they could fix the problem.

I would like to know if there are any regulations/laws/policies she's violating, and what options I have.

My mother is coming to visit next weekend and she has a disease called Lupus, and a heart condition, so if she were to get bit, she would most certainly be in the hospital, if not worse. We also have 2 cats that we typically like to bring outside to eat grass, but we are afraid to do so because black widows are 90% fatal to cats. Not to mention, there is a playground near us where children play often. We won't even sit on our porch because of the problem.

I would really appreciate some help as soon as possible. Thanks so much.

ps. I've attached a picture of one of the black widows near our apartment that we caught to show the management

 

[presutin]

Have you checked the landlord/tenant laws in your state to see what remedies are available to you when it comes to cases like yours? Once you do that and see what they are, you need to write management a letter (certified) explaining the situation and requesting immediate action (as per the state landlord/tenant law) and if no response, inform management that you will see what legal options are available to address this issue. Hope this helps!

 

[jenperry212]

I tried to find some information today, but I was unable to find any such laws that specifically addressed a pest control issue....I'll keep looking though, thank you

 

[presutin]

Check out this link. You don't have to specifically find anything that will say spiders but you can list it under repairs and habitability. Good luck to you!

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/problems.shtml

 

[jenperry212]

Thanks for the link, after a little extra searching this is what I've found:
CALIFORNIA CODES
CIVIL CODE
SECTION 1940-1954.1

1941.1. A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes of
Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the following
affirmative standard characteristics or is a residential unit
described in Section 17920.3 (12) of the Health and Safety
Code:

(f) Building, grounds, and appurtenances at the time of the
commencement of the lease or rental agreement, and all areas under
control of the landlord, kept in every part clean, sanitary, and free
from all accumulations of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents,
and vermin.

Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety
Code:

(12) Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents as determined by
the health officer.


So, I found some city contacts (City Community Development Department) that specifically deals with code inspection, code enforcement, and environmental review. I also found a number for city hall for code compliance, and a code compliance officer.
First I am going to find out if the manager has consulted the landlord on the issue, and if I am not satisfied I will be making phone calls on Monday and I'll be able to cite the code's in question. I really appreciate your input to give me some direction.