Inherited a tenant with fleas

[Jenna Stonecipher]

I bought a 4plex last month that has only 1 apartment rented. While doing work in one of the vacant units, it came to our attention that there is a flea infestation. With only one tenant, the source is pretty obvious. This has to be abated before new tenants begin to rent.

What is the best way to handle this? I've called a pest guy and scheduled for him to come out. Should I speak to the tenant about this in person or in writing, both? I want to make sure this is properly documents since eviction may be in our future.

Also, if he's not abating the problem on the animal, then pest treatment will do no good. How can I ensure that he abates the problem?

The lease that he signed with the previous owner allows him to have pets, but they are awful. Is there any way that I can get the pets out without going full eviction?

[Rob K.]

Fleas can be a nightmare. One thing to know about fleas is that their eggs can lay dormant for up to two years. One of the vacant units could have flea eggs that didn't hatch until they felt your vibrations. It's not necessarily the current tenant that caused this.

You didn't say what kind of animal the current tenant has. If it's a dog, Advantix is better than Frontline. It can't be used if there's a cat in the unit, because Adventist could kill the cat, not that that would be a bad thing. (Just joking, kinda). That should get rid of the fleas in the occupied unit.

The vacant units will probably have to be sprayed by an exterminator. You will then need to vacuum all floors every couple days. You should also get the carpets professionally cleaned. A truck mounted carpet machine heats up to 130 degrees and will kill anything with that much heat.

Careful not to bring the fleas home. I've done that before. That's why I know that Advantix is better than Frontline. It's also more expensive, but worth it.

Good luck. I've been there.