Woman Argues She 'Moved into an Infestation'

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Tenants at a West Ashley apartment complex say there is a bed bug problem, and they have the bugs and bites to prove it.

They asked for their identities to not be shared.

"I cannot sleep like I used to right now. I fear even being in my home due to the fact that I have no choice but to stay here."

This person has rented from Georgetown Apartments since 2008. Last November, she decided to get a larger place and with it came the bed bugs, she said.

"This is the first time I ever laid my eyes on a bed bug. This is the first time I have had them in my home."

She has had to bag up all her clothing and bedding to be specially cleaned. She strongly believes she moved into the infestation. She says other problems exist in the same building on the same floor.

Other neighbors are reporting bites, and a second person who came forward says an exterminator confirmed last December she had bed bugs as well.

She also had to pay $450 for three treatments.

Another tenant facing a similar issue says management is aware, and even gave her a contract that says to get an exterminator -- causing her to pay $150 per room.

"Why am I going to be required to pay when they're there already, and they knew about it?" she said.

This is where it gets confusing. The lease says the landlord or an authorized agent will enter the apartment to provide the service of an exterminator. It also says if you encounter a bug problem on a date other than the first of the month, to contact the main office.

"It doesn't specify what type of bug," the tenant said.

We reached out to apartment complex's corporate office, AMCS in North Charleston. A representative acknowledged speaking with the one tenant but had nothing further to say.