Tenant Bed Bug Problems

[Dennis Humphries]

The tenant that lives in one of my properties in South Carolina texted me about two weeks ago and asked if I had ever  a bed bug problem in that house and I told them no. They moved in June 2016 and they claim that a few months ago they started having problems with bed bugs. They said this was an existing problem and that I need to pay. It is in the lease agreement that the tenant is responsible for pest control and that the landlord is not responsible for pest or any harm they cause. The tenant notified me this morning they were not going to pay the rent which is due today until they decide if the "infestation" is treatable. There was some furniture that was left there but they wanted it to stay because they didn't have any furniture. I asked former tenant and they said they never had a problem. I also slept there between the two tenants cleaning, repairing and painting and I never had a problem. Is it unreasonable for me to expect them to pay for the treatment? I'm planning to file an eviction tomorrow. I'm worried about the turn around time but if they are dirty or not keeping it clean I feel it's best to get them out especially if they are using this as an excuse to not pay the rent.  Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Samantha Klein]

File as soon as you can. If they've been in the unit since 2016, it is because of them. Unfortunately if they move, you'll have to take care of it but I would charge their deposit for the treatment.