Bat infestation in a rented home (Huntsville: apartment, renters, eviction)

[luckylady070283]

I live in Huntsville. The duplex I stay in with my roommate has a bat infestation. We notified our landlord approximately four months ago that there was something in the roof/walls. When they came out they said it was birds. We have found 2 baby bats since then in the kitchen and living room. We talked to our neighbors (the other side of the duplex) only to find out that the bats have been there since last summer! The landlord was notified then about the issue. He rented to us without informing us of the infestation. My roommates 3 year old almost stepped on one of the bats- the landlord is putting us off and isn't repairing any needed items on the duplex. What ordinances or renters rights do we have in Alabama. neither of us is from here but we need this problem fixed ASAP!!! help.

[caution]

It's probably in your lease, as most leases have standard clauses about infestations.

All the laws are online, but can take a while to wade through, like the ones posted here

Bad Landlords - Alabama Renter's Rights

[justinREA]

Sorry to hear of your problems, that does not sound pleasant at all.

It sounds like if this continues you might need to seek some legal advice, but there is something called constructive eviction. If the landlord refuses or does not wish to fix problems that exist and are necessary to live in the apartment then you can file for a constructive eviction. It works basically the same way as a normal eviction except you are ultimately evicting the landlord and vacating the premises, but are saying its because of the landlord that you have had to do this.

In some cases if you had to pay to fix a problem that the landlord would not take care the landlord will have to pay you back for this when you file for constructive eviction.

Either way, I recommend you seek some legal advice or at least do some research on landlord law to know where you stand.

[Keeper]

Tell him you are gonna call channel 19's Taking action to ask them to do a story about the conditions of the duplex with the bats. I am sure they would love a story like that..