{"id":369195,"date":"2019-10-14T08:35:42","date_gmt":"2019-10-14T13:35:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/breaking-lease-due-to-termites.html"},"modified":"2026-09-07T17:49:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T22:49:00","slug":"breaking-lease-due-to-termites","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/breaking-lease-due-to-termites.html","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Your Lease Due to Termites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Breaking Your Lease Due to Termites<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 07, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <div data-testid=\"ai-message-body\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"WPxV7Egv1KJiQr8PNnEDL-content-0\">\n<ul>\n<li>A tenant may be able to break a lease due to termites if the infestation makes the home uninhabitable under the implied warranty of habitability.<\/li>\n<li>Before ending the lease, the tenant must notify the landlord and give them a reasonable chance to fix the problem, including inspection and fumigation.<\/li>\n<li>If the landlord fails to act and the conditions remain unsafe, the tenant may have grounds for constructive eviction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a tenant and a landlord. Breaking a lease comes with significant penalties, like paying out the balance of the contract. However, there are a few circumstances in which tenants can break their leases without penalties. An untreated pest infestation is one such reason.<\/p>\n<p>Pest infestations are often detrimental to human health and safety. Termites, in particular, are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/termite-bonds-and-termite-letters.html\">tiny, destructive pests<\/a>. Whether a new tenant or a longtime renter, you should address infestation problems immediately.<\/p>\n<p>This article focuses on breaking your lease because of a termite infestation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>If you\u2019re dealing with a termite infestation and aren\u2019t sure whether you can end your lease, legal advice is available. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find local legal help<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>The Implied Warranty of Habitability<\/h2>\n<p>The law reads an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-implied-warranty-of-habitability.html\">implied warranty of habitability<\/a>\u00a0into lease and rental agreements. All landlords must ensure their rental properties are safe for human health and safety. Under this warranty, landlords must substantially comply with local building codes. Here are a few examples of things covered under an implied warranty of habitability:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Running water<\/li>\n<li>Hot water<\/li>\n<li>Heat<\/li>\n<li>Pest control (including pest prevention from roaches, fleas, bed bugs, rodents, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Working electrical systems<\/li>\n<li>Working plumbing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Options if Your Rental Unit Is Uninhabitable<\/h2>\n<p>If your landlord is not substantially complying with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/zoning.html\">local building codes<\/a>, you have several options. A few examples of those:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reporting your landlord to the local housing authority<\/li>\n<li>Withholding rent until they comply<\/li>\n<li>Breaking your lease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/when-can-i-legally-withhold-rent\/\">Withholding rent<\/a> and breaking your lease are serious lease violations. You should consult with an attorney before attempting either on your own.<\/p>\n<h2>When Can I Break My Lease?<\/h2>\n<p>These are some situations in which a tenant can break a lease:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>When allowed by law:\u00a0<\/b>Some laws allow tenants to break a lease. For instance, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/military-service-benefits-scra-and-userra.html\">Servicemembers&#8217; Civil Relief Act<\/a>\u00a0allows people who have enlisted in the military to break a lease if they get called for active duty.<\/li>\n<li><b>When the rental property becomes uninhabitable:<\/b>\u00a0This can occur due to natural disasters like earthquakes or tornadoes. Artificial conditions may also render the property uninhabitable.<\/li>\n<li><b>When the landlord breaks the terms of the lease:\u00a0<\/b>Landlord-tenant laws list many requirements with which the landlord must comply. These include maintaining the property and respecting the tenant&#8217;s right to quiet enjoyment and privacy. You may break the lease if your landlord breaks any of these obligations.<\/li>\n<li><b>When the lease provides:<\/b> If it has an early termination clause, you can break it before the lease term ends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Breaking a lease can impact your rental history and your ability to secure housing in the future. Make sure you handle the process correctly and understand your legal obligations. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find an attorney near you for advice.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Can I Break My Lease Due to Termites?<\/h3>\n<p>It depends. You may break your lease if your rental home&#8217;s living conditions are uninhabitable. Be ready to demonstrate that the presence of termites is substantial and detrimental to your health and well-being.<\/p>\n<h2>Talk to Your Landlord First<\/h2>\n<p>Before you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/ending-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs.html\">break your lease<\/a>, you should allow your landlord to deal with the pest problem. Your landlord or property management company can only fix issues if they know one exists.<\/p>\n<p>It is your landlord&#8217;s responsibility to ensure your living space is pest-free. It is the tenant&#8217;s responsibility to notify the landlord of the problem and give them a reasonable amount of time to fix it. Regarding termites, your landlord should address the issue immediately to avoid termite damage in their apartment building or rental property.<\/p>\n<p>You should first give your landlord written notice of the problem and ask them to hire a pest control company or service to conduct a termite inspection and, if necessary, fumigate. Many pest control companies use tenting as they fumigate and render the property pest-free. Your landlord may have to provide you with another place to live during this process.<\/p>\n<p>After fumigation, the landlord should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tax-deductions-for-landlord-responsibilities.html\">organize regular inspections<\/a> to catch any pest issues before they become unmanageable.<\/p>\n<h2>Constructive Eviction<\/h2>\n<p>Constructive eviction\u00a0occurs when the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-eviction-what-you-should-know-as-a-renter.html\">rental premises become so uninhabitable<\/a> that the tenant must leave. The tenant can&#8217;t stay on the premises, so the landlord has constructively evicted them. For you to have a constructive eviction claim, you must show the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The landlord neglected a duty they owe to you.<\/li>\n<li>As a result of the neglect, the place has become uninhabitable.<\/li>\n<li>You gave notice to the landlord to fix the issue.<\/li>\n<li>You left the premises within a reasonable time frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you meet the above requirements, you may be able to end your tenancy without penalty. Check your local laws or consult with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate attorney<\/a> for specific information.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Options<\/h2>\n<p>A constructive eviction claim is risky because you have to vacate the premises before you make this claim, and you risk <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html\">losing your security deposit<\/a>. You can take alternative routes to remedy the situation if your landlord refuses to address the termite problem. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hiring a professional to handle the termite problem, while withholding rent or putting it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-buying-selling-dictionary.html\">in\u00a0escrow<\/a>\u00a0until a court gives a decision<\/li>\n<li>Withholding rent until the landlord fixes the problem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>States have different\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/chart-landlord-tenant-statutes-state-by-state.html\">landlord-tenant laws<\/a>. Make sure to research these statutes before you take any action.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help Breaking Your Lease<\/h2>\n<p>Your landlord must address any pest infestations in your rental unit. If they do not, you have a wide range of options. An experienced landlord-tenant attorney can give you sound legal advice on your choices.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant lawyers<\/a> can connect you with qualified legal help near you. Because state law is relevant, your attorney should be licensed in the state where you live. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, areas of practice, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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                 for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    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          class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Legal guidance can be helpful if the problem involves money, safety, or a lease violation<\/span>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or landlord issues can benefit from legal expertise. 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