You read that right. I’m working on a case this week against the landlord of a big apartment complex in Louisville. My clients moved in and were exposed multiple times to bats that led to horrific rabies treatment #litigation #lawyer #louisville #DettmanLaw #takecareofyourproperty
Landlords are responsible for addressing animal invasion issues on their properties.
Bats have a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our surrounding ecosystems, as well as in countless ecosystems worldwide. They provide a variety of benefits to our local economies, and their presence contributes to making our outdoor living spaces more pleasant, but they do not belong in homes and buildings where they are a danger to themselves and to the people around them. When bats enter into populated spaces, it is important to take action and seek (preferably bat-friendly) abatement services to ensure the safety of both tenants and bats.
As a Louisville personal injury lawyer, it is not uncommon for me to encounter cases where landlords are hesitant to address animal invasion issues on their properties. Bat infestations, in particular, can be challenging to deal with, and it can be a struggle to persuade a landlord to take action. However, it is critical to educate them on their responsibilities and the potential consequences of not addressing the issue.
The landlord or building owner is responsible for maintaining a rental property and ensuring that it is in livable conditions. This includes addressing any animal or pest infestations that occur, regardless of whether it is the tenant’s fault or not. In the case of bat infestations, it is essential to emphasize the long-term complications that can arise, such as structural damage and the accumulation of bat guano and urine, both of which can be a significant risk to the tenants.
To convince a landlord to take action, it is recommended to civilly remind them of the possible complications that can arise from long-term bat infestations. This can include the costly damages that occur over time and local laws that hold landlords accountable for Rabies shots and vaccinations if a tenant is bitten. Additionally, it is essential to note that a landlord’s insurance company may not cover any harm caused by bats if they were aware of the infestation in advance and did not take appropriate action. This puts the landlord at fault for any extensive destruction accrued from bat invasions and can put them at a disadvantage when it comes time to sell the property.
In summary, it is the responsibility of the landlord or building owner to address animal or pest infestations on their properties. If a landlord is hesitant to take action, it is crucial to educate them on the potential consequences and emphasize the long-term complications that can arise from bat infestations. It is also important to note that failing to address the issue can have costly financial and legal implications.
