Just because we share the same planet with all kinds of creatures, we can’t keep certain “unexpected visitors” out of our homes. Fortunately, there are several methods available to help humans and critters live in their own homes. However, this landlord in Texas seems unaware of these methods, because he is forcing his new tenant to live surrounded by roaches. Leaving aside how unsanitary some insects are, I couldn’t be in the same space as a roach without screaming hysterically.
Redditor SelfishDroneMiss shared a screenshot with their landlord on r/AmIOverreacting. The problem is that OP was moving into a new place and found roaches on their very first day. They took a photo of the roaches and sent it to their landlord to see if he could contact pest control as soon as possible. OP also mentioned that the move went well, but that they would wait to bring larger items to the property once there were no more bugs. Yet, this Texas landlord not only refused to do anything about the roaches. Instead, the landlord wrote, “Just so you know, it’s not a great look to be demanding things on day one.“
In addition, the landlord told OP that they should finish moving all their things to the property and then, once they were settled in, make a list. Then they could talk and see what could be done. The landlord also said he would see what he could do about the “pests”. The worst part is not that the landlord asked OP to live with roaches, but that the landlord does not want to use any method that could kill them.
‘In Austin, a city inspector can likely force a landlord to hire an exterminator for a cockroach infestation if it poses a health and safety risk to tenants. This is based on Texas’s “implied warranty of habitability,” which requires landlords to maintain a safe and sanitary property. I would ask your landlord for their attorney’s contact information. Consider asking them to terminate your lease with full refund of deposit and find a better place‘ commented Cfwydirk.
‘I would cut your losses, find a new place, and take the landlord to court for your money back immediately; you’re not going to have any fun living there‘ said Hamburger_Diet
Fortunately, in the same images and post, OP makes it very clear to the landlord that they would contact the relevant authorities. This did not sit well with the landlord, who took it as a “threat” and asked OP to contact his lawyer.
