How should I handle termite infestation?
edit 2: if anyone ever runs into the same problem i have, this page is very helpful: https://bals.org/help/resources/my-landlord-not-making-repairs-what-can-i-do
they also have a free legal helpline i will be calling today to get advice on how i should proceed. thanks for all your responses!
edit: the reason I asked here is because I would specifically like to know how to handle the landlord pest control situation as I know it varies state by state and sometimes by city. in my brief research I saw that landlords in florida have to provide remedy within reasonable time (about 7 days) and its been two weeks--so I'm hoping to hear from others who have gone through this process, and if there's anything I should know specifically about rent withholding in our area.
Hi everyone. I just moved into a new place about 2 weeks ago, and on my second day staying at my new place I noticed a bunch of termites near the back door. I've never had them before so didn't know what to do and let my landlord know. she said they'll have someone tent at some point and keep us updated on this process.
Well it's been two weeks now, and I have multiple holes in my bedroom wall and they're now eating through my lampshade. I didn't even know termites ate things outside of wood but supposedly they just eat anything cellulose, which includes fabrics, and wood of course.
My neighbor and I have been updating each other on our situations. For reference I have about 5 holes in my bedroom wall, all near the same area. The termites hang out near any light source I have and are in every room in my place. The neighbor let me into their place today and it was horrific. They had at least 20 holes all along the wall of their bedroom, and termite wings EVERYWHERE. We talked about how we both haven't heard much from the landlord except her original message of saying she'll tent at some point.
Now that they're destroying MY property I'm getting pissed. I was literally trying to have a new start going through a break up and now I can't even relax in my own home, and unpacking fully feels pointless because why would I if they're just going to eat all my shit? I have sent various updates to my landlord including pictures and letting her know they're spreading and she just reads my messages but doesn't respond. I'm upset that she hasn't set an official date yet and it's been two weeks of this, and i'm leaving town soon to visit a dying close relative and tbh I cannot handle this right now. I just want to live peacefully in a bug-free place and mind my own business.
What can I do? I know that I can withhold rent but have to go through a process, however I also don't want to burn a bridge because I love this place. Has any done rent withholding before, and if so how'd it turn out? How should I bring this up to my landlord? I literally just want to know if she's scheduled something. She keeps sending her son out to set traps but this is way beyond that.
My neighbor said we should all come together to say something. I'm not sure how to handle any of this :/ Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.