Bedbugs (ugh)

We got the good news this week from one of our tenants that their apartment has bedbugs.  It's our fault, of course, since the apartment had bedbugs when she moved in.  She, of course, expected us to call the exterminator immediately and purge her apartment because it was, of course, our fault.  Never mind that she has five kids who come and go and bring in all their little friends along with second-had furniture. 

Although we take bedbugs pretty seriously, I just couldn't imagine that there were bedbugs when she moved in and here's why: 
1.  She moved in last August 1 - and she's just now noticing the infestation? 
2.  The unit had been vacant for over a year prior and we spent a lot of time there since it had been in such rough shape.  Over all those hours, days and weeks, no one ever saw any evidence.
3.  We painted every wall, ceiling, pulled up all the carpets, and replaced both the carpet and the vinyl flooring throughout the entire place - again, no evidence - ever.

What to do?  Our blessed property manager consulted with an attorney who confirmed for us that it is the responsibility of the party who 'brought them in' and sent the tenant a letter to that effect.  It was a nice letter, but basically said it's her responsibility.


After we got the estimate from the pest control guy I had a moment of  - what shall I call it?  Compassion, fear, self-preservation?  I sure don't want the adjoining units to join the pest party!  We agreed to split the cost as long as she paid $50 immediately and at least $25 a month to pay for it.  To which she immediately agreed.