I have mice and the landlord won't help me?

Question

When we first moved in over a year ago, we discovered we had mice. We contacted the landlord, and told us "keep catching them until they're gone". I was shocked and thought that I would at least receive some kind of reimbursement for the traps that I would have to use. Anyways, the way our apartment is set up, our landlord's office is in the front of the building and our apartment is in the back. Everything is divided by a wall. Our kitchen is against the dividing wall and that's where most of the mice are coming from. You can see a "brillo pad" technique that was there from before we came to stop mice. We caught so many so far and we can't even let our dishes air dry because they'll get covered in mouse c**p. We have two kids in diapers and I don't want them to get sick. The mice have already been in the kids room upstairs and chewed through a wire. I called an exterminator and they can't do anything about it unless they have the landlord's permission. Who do I contact now?

Answer 1

your local health dept.

Answer 2

I would "nicely" ask your landlord to reconsider helping you with the mouse problem.. If he still considers it your problem politely and ever so sweetly tell him that you will call the city health inspector to review the property.  Once the city is called they have to follow through on a complaint and if they come they will surely find MORE than just a mouse problem.. Which can cost the landlord BIG fines!  

To keep mice away some "natural" remedies are.. Using essential oils to keep them away.. Mice HATE the strong smell of peppermint/spearmint.. So, get some extracts and put on some cotton pads and place wherever you've seen mice droppings.. The smell is nice and safe for children/pets... Keep your food sealed in glass/plastic containers... Wipe down the shelves and place cotton balls with peppermint extract in your cupboards... Dryer sheets heavily scented works as well...

Document as much as you can with mice dropping and mice that you catch.... Save receipts from buying poison/traps and etc.. If there are children involved the city will definetly become involved.. good luck

Answer 3

I would move, especially since children are involved.  If they won't refund your deposit, or give you any kind of hassle about the contract you signed, just take them to small claims court.  Just make sure you have pictures of the mice problem before you move out as evidence.  And have documentation from the Health Dept.  Mice can carry diseases.

The best mouser is a cat.  It's just another idea.  I don't know what all is involved with your situation.

I moved into an apartment one time that had a scorpion problem that the apartment couldn't do anything about.  They refunded my full deposit and let me out of my lease with no problem.  

Good luck.

Answer 4

You contact your local health department asap.

The landlord should refund your money on traps. It doesn't matter now that he refuses. The important thing is calling the health department. Because mice carry diseases and they are not safe around your children. You can make a call without giving your name so your landlord doesn't find out it was you that called. But please call your local health department asap. To imagine mice crawling on your children while they sleep freaks me out.