My son rented a home with a 6 month lease in April 2009. They were in the house all
Of 5 days and went to put some boxes in the cellar and saw rats running around. He has
4 children and was upset at what he found. He called the landlord and asked that he
Call an exterminator to handle the problem, which he never addressed.

A few nites later, while laying on the living room floor watching t.v. a rat ran across his
Chest! He immediately got the kids and wife up and out of the property and went to a
Hotel. That's where he's been since April of this year. My question is this, is the landlord
Responsible for the rent at the hotel, and he's holding his 1800.00 and they have no
Money to get another place. The Board of Health went there to inspect the house and
Gave him 5 days to clean the place up, but we haven't heard a word from the owner of
The house.

Do we need to take him to court for the hotel and our money back?

Betty

I think you need to get some legal advice.

Considering you had only been in the property 5 days,I think your deposit should be returned in full, however it will not be as simple as that.

There are so many clauses within the law that I'm sure the landlord will pull one out ,that states that you had not given any notice to quit... but of coarse the property was un-inhabitable.

I can't imagine that the landlord will repay your hotel costs, but you could if it goes that far claim through the small claims court.

The best thing that you can do is as I've said,contact a solicitor or if you have an advice bureau in your area, go along and put the case to them.
They are very knowledgeable and I'm sure will be able to set you straight.

I am not a solicitor,but hopefully one of our legal experts will come on with all the correct info on this matter.

Goodluck