Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

Flea Infestation Upon Moving In/belongings ruined

My sister just moved into a new apartment. On the second day she found fleas (they never had pets). Landlord admitted to problem carpet has been removed twice and bug control has come out numerous times and just recently bombed place. They are stayin in hotel but the stuff they have is still in the aptmt. Landlord agreed to let out of lease, and pay for one nite of hotel. She is finding them in her clothes, car, and all belongings now. Can she get some sort of other compensation for her things? Or at least for them to be completely professionally cleaned? None of this was her fault and her husband and her are bitten to pieces after only one night staying there. They have to eat out and stay in the car all day, pay for a new move, and a hotel until they find a new apartment. He is stationed there and has to find something in the area for a certain price. Do they have any legal recourse?


Asked on 6/03/09, 11:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Flea Infestation Upon Moving In/belongings ruined

Sure, if they can credibly quantify their damages(losses), the couple could sue the landlord in small claims court for up to 5K, assuming that they can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the landlord was at fault.

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Answered on 6/05/09, 12:06 am


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