Messy tenants now have rats INSIDE

[Gail W.]

My tenants (12 guys- a Sober Living home) told me rats were in the garage...where they keep 5 fridges. On inspection, I saw there was a lot of food dribbles and spills from the fridges and the outer door was left open. I also noticed a small hole where a pipe entered the garage. I told them to keep the door closed, clean up and KEEP clean the food mess and I sealed the hole. I set traps and placed glue traps all over the garage (and bait in the attic of the garage).

Now they are telling me the rats have moved INTO the house. Not sure how as I really looked all over the find access points and the 1 I found, I sealed (where the cable wire comes in). 

Thing is, these are guys. 12 of em. Super nice and quiet but VERY messy. I have repeatedly seen the house just plain dirty; bathroom is gross, kitchen floor and countertop is always "thick", the bedrooms have crap piled all over the floors. And, the one thing that always made me worry about just this scenario...food spills under fridge, stove, and walls where trash cans are. I always tell them they need a cleaning lady, but they always tell me, "We just cleaned!!"  They are completely blind to what I see. Which I get, cuz, MEN. But now... NO.

So I told them we need to come in ASAP to set traps INSIDE each room... I said I can give them a 24 hr notice, but would prefer to come in today. Partly because I really want to see the place before they get in and "clean"...see the true nature of the mess.  I am reading California Civil Code 1954 and am still not 100% clear on if it's legal for me to just TELL them I will be coming into the house this afternoon, 8 hours after notice?  It says YES, if in response to emergencies. IS this an emergency tho?

Also, while I desire to do all I possibly can to retain the value and well being of my house, I can't afford to go crazy! Not to mention, I will be leaving on vacay for a 10 day trip in 38 hours... :/  I want to get this handled ASAP, but legally.

TYIA!

[Nathan Gesner]

12 adult males? I would consider a rent increase that covers:

1. Cost of professional property management; and

2. Cost of a professional cleaner every week.