I spent the bulk of the past two days prepping my loft for the exterminator that is due on Monday. And I should add that when first alerted to the bedbug issue next door some weeks ago, I both explained that I was physically unable to move all that was required and also quite concerned about exposure to pesticide (I mean, I do have lung cancer).
Well, my protests went unheeded. Today I asked for a little insight as to what to expect after Monday and was told that this would be the first of three treatments occurring every 10-14 days.
Not what I signed on for. I then sent this message to my landlord:
I have now spent two full days shifting my loft (alone). Two brutal days even though I am also struggling with my lung cancer now. In its current state my living space is not habitable. From everything I have learned if you’d gone with the high heat method I wouldn’t have had to have moved anything, it would have been more likely to be effective, and I would not have been exposed to pesticides.
In my five years here I have dealt with black mold, a nonfunctioning air conditioner during a heat wave, leaks (yet unresolved) and now this. I listen to a dehumidifier all day long and now a bed bug trap all night long.
I have never asked for nor been offered a break on rent. I must now put my foot down as there is no way to justify $1850 a month to live in these conditions.
No response, which has been the status quo.
So. I won’t be paying rent until this is resolved. Wish me luck. And, as my loft is in total disarray and will also be sprayed with pesticides not once but three times, I am simply going to find someplace else to stay.
Local? Looking for a house guest for a day or too? I am going to try to farm Kumo out to someone here in the lofts so I will be traveling lite. Hit me up if you’d like a sleepover 😉
xo
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 
Linnea,
I am not in your area. I am In Charlotte, NC.
You are welcome here. We have an extra room
With it’s own bathroom.
Linnea, You may stay with us anytime. 🙂 Wendy
On Sat, Dec 29, 2018 at 4:45 PM life and breath: outliving lung cancer wrote:
> linnea11 posted: ” I spent the bulk of the past two days prepping my loft > for the exterminator that is due on Monday. And I should add that when > first alerted to the bedbug issue next door some weeks ago, I both > explained that I was physically unable to move all that was r” >
Wow! I can’t imagine all you are going through up there, way too much for one person to endure, and on top of all that, struggling with lung cancer. I know I am miles away, but… If you feel like getting away to Raleigh, you can bring Kumo, I have a spare room with its own bath. The door is open.
Hi Linnea,
I have done a little bit of research, and you have way more rights with this bed bug thing. Please check out the attached screen shots with lawyers information about bed bugs in MA. You also have a STRONG case due to bed bugs can cause difficulty breathing along with many other physical problems, not to mention psychological issues!!!
Linda
/Users/linda/Desktop/Screen Shot 2018-12-29 at 7.09.26 PM.png/Users/linda/Desktop/Screen Shot 2018-12-29 at 7.07.39 PM.png/Users/linda/Desktop/Screen Shot 2018-12-29 at 7.07.49 PM.png/Users/linda/Desktop/Screen Shot 2018-12-29 at 7.07.21 PM.png
One more. I’m not trying to upset you Linnea. Just hope some of this info. can get your landlord to do the heat treatment instead of the alternative. You don’t need to be uprooted at this time. /Users/linda/Desktop/Penn Study Shows Bed Bugs Can Transmit Parasite that Causes Chagas Disease – PR News.html
I’m not local Linnea…….but not that far away either…..on Long Island. I’d be happy to offer you a place to stay while you figure out this awful situation. My husband and I have a spare room with a private bathroom that’s yours for as long as you need it; plus, we’d be honored by your company!
Hi again,
There are lawyers representing all the lung cancer organizations. One of these lawyers would be happy to write a letter to your land lord stressing why the heat extermination is the ONLY choice. I’m betting someone reading this post can make a call and ask for a favor. I’m praying you don’t have to think about this problem again.
I hope you can soon find a better apartment for your needs. It sounds like you might be able to negotiate an amicable early release from your lease or get that done via small claims court.
Best hopes,
Craig in PA
FWIW, I don’t think unilateral withholding of rent is legal in my state unless it is put into an escrow acct earmarked for the landlord. I assume withholding rent would count as failure to pay rent, grounds for eviction which would be seen in background checks for future apartments. That scenario haunted a homeless friend near me last winter — she’d have been homeless for a 2nd winter if I hadn’t intervened.
You can have our house if you don’t mind returning to Ipswich 😉. We have come south for the winter and won’t be back till late March. There is a friend who checks the house regularly and works several hours each weekend on yards, firewood, etc. – he stays there occasionally but I can ask him to stay at home while you’re there. Driveway is plowed but sometimes a little late because it’s not in constant use. Call me if you want to discuss.
And keep smiling/writing haiku/meditating/ whatever you do to keep going. Your spirit is remarkable! xxxxxxooooo