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Bed Bugs · California Tenant Rights

Can I break my lease because of bed bugs?

When bed bugs can justify moving out

Possibly, but be careful. If a bed bug infestation makes a rental truly unlivable and the landlord will not fix it, California law may allow you to move out under a legal idea called "constructive eviction" — but doing it the wrong way can leave you owing rent.

Breaking a lease is a serious step. Constructive eviction generally requires severe conditions, notice to the landlord and a fair chance to fix them, and that you actually move out because the home is unlivable. There is an added bed-bug wrinkle: moving infested belongings into a new home can carry the problem with you, so timing and careful cleaning matter.

Because the stakes are high, run this past an attorney before you act. Before you move out over bed bugs — or sign anything the landlord offers — a free, confidential review can help you avoid a costly mistake.

This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.

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