Mice Infestation In Rental Property

Summary

In this conversation, the user is seeking assistance with a mice infestation in their rental property in wichita, kansas. They have already informed their landlord about the issue and the landlord has taken some steps to address it, but the problem persists. The user is considering requesting to be released from their lease due to health concerns, as they are pregnant. They have not sent a formal letter to the landlord yet. The user has also contacted the local health department, but they were not very helpful. They have not consulted with a local attorney yet.

Full Conversation

Hello, I have had two occasions where I have seen mice in my rental. The first time I seen a mouse I informed my rental property and they sent someone out. The second time I seen * more mice and I did inform my rental property that if it is not taken care of immediately being that I am pregnant and this could be a health risk that I will have to ask to be released from my lease. Someone will be coming out tomorrow to fill some possible holes where they may be getting through at but I just don’t want to stay there altogether anymore. What can I do?
What is the location of your rental property? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information.
wichita, Kansas
What steps has your landlord taken to address the issue after your complaints?

In Kansas, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, which includes pest control.
they have had a terminator come out but that did not help because I have seen three more since then. I did inform them about and they will have someone call out tomorrow. This person that will coming out asked me where they could be coming from but I have no idea where! Shouldn’t they try to determine that?
Have you documented all your communication with the landlord about this issue? In Kansas, tenants may have the right to withhold rent if landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions.
yes I have
Have you considered sending a formal letter to your landlord, detailing the issue and your request to be released from the lease due to health concerns?
I did inform them that if the problem could not be handled I would request to be released, yes
Have you sent a written notice to your landlord about terminating the lease due to uninhabitable conditions?

- Kansas law allows tenants to terminate the lease if the landlord fails to maintain habitable conditions.
- Sedgwick County District Court, Wichita, KS: (*) *-*.
No, I have not.
Have you consulted with a local attorney or tenant rights organization about your situation?

- Kansas Legal Services might be a good resource: (*) *-*, * S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS.
no
What is the duration of your lease and how much time is left on it?
it is 12 months and I have 9 months left
Have you considered contacting the local health department about the mice infestation? They may be able to provide additional support or documentation of the issue.
no I havent
Have you considered contacting the Sedgwick County Health Department about the mice infestation? They might be able to provide additional support or documentation of the issue. Their contact number is (*) *-*.
no but I can
That's a good idea. They can inspect the property and provide a report, which can be used as evidence if you decide to terminate your lease.
okay great thank you
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
Yes, would seeing * mice be deemed as a inhabitable condition?
Are there any other signs of infestation or damage caused by the mice? In Kansas, landlords are generally responsible for pest control unless the tenant's actions caused the infestation.
no
In Kansas, a severe infestation that affects habitability could be grounds for legal action. However, seeing * mice may not be enough. It's best to document and report to your landlord.
what else could I possibly do to get out of my lease, I believe this could be a health risk because I am pregnant?
Have you informed your landlord about the issue and your health concerns due to your pregnancy?
yes
What was your landlord's response when you informed them about the issue and your health concerns?
there wasn’t a response about my health concerns. Just that there were going to send someone out again
Did your landlord provide a timeline for when the pest control would be conducted?
tomorrow
What time is the pest control scheduled for tomorrow?
in the afternoon
What is the name and contact details of your landlord? It's important to have a written record of your communication regarding this issue.
wichita rentals
What is the exact address of your rental property? This will help us provide you with the contact details of the nearest court in case you need to take legal action.
Wichita Kansas
What is the severity of the mice infestation? Have you noticed any droppings or damage to your property?

General Information:
- Kansas law requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions.
- Wichita Municipal Court: * N Main St, Wichita, KS *, Phone: (*) *-*.
no I’ve only just have seen *
What is the condition of your health and how is it being affected by the presence of the mice?
im pregnant and since these are wild mice I’m not sure what they could be carrying
Have you consulted a healthcare professional about potential health risks associated with mice infestation during pregnancy?
no I haven’t yet
It's important to consult a healthcare professional about potential health risks. Meanwhile, you can contact Wichita District Court at (*) *-* for legal advice.
I informed my landlord that I seen a mouse and so they sent an exterminator. Despite recent extermination efforts, I have encountered three more mice. As a pregnant woman, this could be a health risk. I kindly requested that this issue be addressed immediately or I may need to explore other living arrangements or request to be released from my lease. Someone was supposed to come today but rescheduled to tomorrow. Although there? s been made an effort I no longer want to lease with the rental property. What can I do to get out of my lease without any penalties?
Have you sent a formal letter to your landlord detailing the issue and your request to be released from the lease?

In Kansas:
- Landlords are required to maintain a habitable property.
- Tenants may be able to break a lease due to uninhabitable conditions.
- Consult with a local attorney for specific advice.
I’ve sent a text
Did you document the mice infestation and the landlord's response to it? It's crucial to have evidence in such cases.
it’s not a mice infestation being that there were only * but the landlord sent over an exterminator but it did not help so I reached out again. Someone was supposed to come today to fill a possible hole where they could be coming through but that’s it. They rescheduled to tomorrow.
Have you considered contacting the local health department or a tenant rights organization for support and documentation of the issue?

In Kansas:
- Tenants can contact Kansas Legal Services for tenant rights issues.
- Wichita Sedgwick County Health Department can be reached at (*) *-*.
yes I’ve contacted them and they have stated the landlord is within health codes
What was the exact response from the health department? Did they provide any documentation of their findings?
they weren’t very helpful
What was the response of the landlord when you requested to be released from the lease?
there was no response to that
What was the date when you requested to be released from the lease?
i didn’t request to released. I told them I would if the problem could not be fixed.
Have you considered consulting with a local attorney to explore your options further? In Kansas, tenants may be able to break a lease due to uninhabitable conditions.