No one wants to experience bed bug in their apartment. However, it is not uncommon for a tenant to move into an apartment complex and quickly experience bed bug bites and see bed bugs in their new apartment.
Whitney, LLP’s bed bug attorneys have represented many tenants in connection with bed bug claims against Morgan Properties involving allegations of being moved into a bed bug infested apartment and taking too long to treat the infestation. Under other circumstances, bed bugs may only become a problem long after a person has lived in their apartment. That is why it is important to know who is responsible for extermination efforts when an infestation occurs. If you or a family member is dealing with a serious bed bug infestation, you should contact an experienced Maryland bed bug lawyer today.
The bed bug litigation lawyers at Whitney, LLP can help you determine whether your landlord is liable for a bed bug infestation in your apartment. Bed bugs cause misery to tenants who are forced to live with infestation, and you should not have to live in a bed bug infested apartment. To schedule a consultation to discuss your claim, call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000.
How Bed Bug Infestations Begin
Bed bugs are one-quarter inch long brownish insects that enjoy feeding on the blood of humans. These insects can hide in several different areas of a home from your mattress to the crevices in your furniture. That is why it is important to understand how bed bug infestations begin so that you can avoid bringing these insects into your home.
If you did not personally bring bed bugs into your apartment, it is still possible for your home to be infested. This is because bed bugs are small enough to travel through the crevices in walls to spread to other areas of an apartment complex. This means that if your neighbor has bed bugs in their apartment, they could soon spread into your home.
When moving into a new apartment, many times the bed bug infestation is already present at the time of move in. Due to the infestation already being present, a tenant in this situation will likely start to notice itchy and red bites on their body within a week or two of moving in.
While there are some actions you could take to impede the spread of bed bugs, you should avoid using pesticides and quickly report the infestation to property management, in writing. Property management companies will often delay addressing reports of bed bugs due to the cost of hiring a professional pest control company. Providing notice of an infestation in writing will create a written record that you will be able to use as evidence if you decide to bring legal claims arising out of a bed bug infestation.
Another way to get a bed bug infestation is by staying in a hotel that has a bed bug problem. When visiting a hotel, many people will simply drop their bags on the floor of their room likely because they are weary from traveling. Placing your luggage on the floor will make it easier for bed bugs to crawl into your clothes and hitch a ride to your next destination. It is vital to always place your luggage on a stand or in the bathtub while you inspect the room for bed bugs.
Purchasing used furniture poses another risk of spreading bed bugs. Once bed bugs have ingrained themselves in a certain piece of furniture, it is best to throw away that piece of furniture rather than trying to clean it. This is exactly what many people do when they discover bed bugs in their furniture. Unfortunately, some people do not mark that an old piece of furniture is infested with termites. Alternatively, if a person is selling furniture, they could easily conceal a bed bug infestation. Once an infested piece of furniture is in your apartment, the bed bugs will likely wait till nightfall before they begin to occupy other areas of your home.
To learn more about liability for bed bug infestation, speak with Whitney, LLP’s experienced Maryland bed bug bite attorneys.
Liability for Bed Bugs in an Apartment Complex
Morgan Properties has numerous properties located within the State of Maryland. The average monthly price for a Morgan Properties apartment in Maryland is about $1,300. When spending this amount of money on rent, it is reasonable to expect that your home is free from a bed bug infestation.
In Maryland, a landlord is responsible for the extermination of bed bugs if they existed before a tenant moved into a property. If an infestation occurs once the tenant has moved into the apartment, liability for the problem can vary.
It is important to note that these laws will vary depending on the county where you reside. That is why you should seek out an experienced lawyer that can help you determine which laws apply to your unique situation. Additionally, be sure to seek legal help immediately if your landlord does not assume responsibility for an infestation they should handle.
Claims Against Morgan Properties for Bed Bugs
If you or a family member resides in a Morgan Properties apartment that has a bed bug infestation, you should consult with an experienced Maryland bed bug litigation attorney today. At Whitney, LLP, our legal team possesses years of experience litigating a variety of bed bug cases, and we can use this experience to represent you. To schedule a consultation, contact Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000 or use our online contact form.