Landlord was told of larvae and other issues of repair many times over the past year.

Question

Complaints about various insect larvae and items in need of repair have been ignored and implied I was crazy about the insects. 
 
Now, the place is completely infested.  Everywhere I look is larvae.  
 
My belongings, including some nice art and quality handbags are destroyed. 
 
My groceries have been thrown out continuously for a year. 
 
Even my pets have required veterinary care as a result of larvae burrowing into their skin. 
 
I am 62 years old and was rendered disabled 6 years ago. 
 
This landlord launched an attack on me since the 2nd day I moved in.  She has defamed me repeatedly.   
 
She told over a dozen people.  I was a heroin addict.  I have never seen heroin except on television and certainly do not have a lifestyle that would in any way lend to a drug addiction of any kind. 
 
I have had enough of the infestation and told her and she screamed that I would have to pay for the inspection. 
 
Went almost all summer without air. 
 
I am bullied by her and stuck.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

I'm so sorry to hear about the terrible situation you're in with your landlord and the infestation in your rental unit. What you've described sounds horrific - no one should have to live in those conditions, especially after repeatedly notifying the landlord of the issues. A few thoughts: 
 
It sounds like your landlord may be violating the implied warranty of habitability, which requires landlords to maintain safe and livable conditions in rental properties. Infestations, lack of repairs, and non-working air conditioning in hot weather could all be violations. You may have grounds for legal action. 
 
I would recommend documenting everything - take photos/videos of the larvae and damage, keep copies of written requests for repairs, get statements from the vet about your pets, etc. This evidence will be crucial if you pursue legal recourse. 
 
Look into your local tenant's rights organizations and legal aid clinics. They may be able to provide low-cost or free legal assistance and advice on how to proceed, especially given your age and disability status. Don't let the landlord bully you. 
 
Consider contacting your local health department, building inspector, and/or code enforcement office to report the infestation and habitability issues. They may cite the landlord and force them to remedy the situation. 
 
If the unit is truly uninhabitable, you may need to consider moving out, either temporarily or permanently. But check with legal aid first, as in some cases this could jeopardize a legal case against the landlord. Proper legal advice is key. 
 
The defamation and verbal abuse by the landlord is unacceptable. Those false statements could constitute slander. Definitely document those incidents as well. 
 
I know this is an incredibly stressful and upsetting situation, especially with the medical issues and property damage you've suffered. Please don't lose hope. There are organizations that can help advocate for you and hold this negligent landlord accountable. Wishing you all the best as you work to resolve this. You deserve safe, clean housing and to be treated with basic human decency.

Q: Landlord was told of larvae and other issues of repair many times over the past year.