What Are Termite Bonds?

In the United States, termites are a widespread issue, especially in the southeastern part of the country. Alabama is the leading area for termite infestations in homes, businesses, and other properties. These insects can invade homes and wreak havoc on the structural integrity of a building’s framework. Many homeowners or business owners may seek ways to protect their property from these pests. Many of these individuals wonder, “What are termite bonds?”

Thankfully, Termite Tom and the entire team at Campbell Law, P.C., can answer that question. With over 25 years of experience in termite damage claims and litigation, we understand just how important it is to fully understand termite bonds and how they may protect your home or business from these insects. It is important that you choose the right bond for your situation and seek out companies with solid reputations, as many pest control companies can be fraudulent.

Defining Termite Bonds

In general terms, a termite bond is a warranty held between yourself and a pest control or termite company, similar to a maintenance contract. Under this agreement, the pest control company agrees to provide you with any necessary termite treatment or retreatments, inspections, and, in some cases, repairs for the damage caused by termites. This way, if an infestation is detected while the bond is active, the pest control company will address the infestation at no cost to you.

A termite bond typically includes the following items:

• An agreement regarding any necessary termite inspections for as long as the bond lasts, usually a few years. These inspections can occur annually, quarterly, or on another agreed-to schedule.
• An agreement regarding the necessary treatment should termites be detected on the property. These services are usually totally covered by the bond in place, so the homeowner need not worry about any additional charges. Many termite bonds will include services upfront, prior to any inspections, to take care of any termite problems that have already been discovered.
• Damage repair or retreatment terms should be stated in the agreement. It should outline whether the pest control company will repair any damage, retreat the home for any subsequent infestations, or simply treat the property without providing any damage repairs. Not all homes will qualify for a repair bond, so it is important that you inquire about your eligibility.

It is important to note that a termite bond is different from a termite letter, also known as a wood infestation report (WIR)w. In many states, a termite letter is a statement regarding a home and whether that home has been found free of termites in an inspection, usually during real estate transactions.

What Are Termite Bonds Used For?

Termite bonds are used as a way to guarantee that the pest control company you have hired will reinspect your home or other property to prevent new infestations. If you have a current termite infestation, you may feel concerned about these insects returning, even after treatment has occurred. A termite bond works to offer you some peace and reassurance.

These bonds can also serve a very integral purpose in the purchase or sale of a home. If an inspection turns up a termite issue or a high chance of a future termite infestation, buyers may only agree to purchase the home if the involved seller takes out a termite bond on the property beforehand. Additionally, lenders may not wish to issue a mortgage loan unless there is a termite bond in place, especially in cases where the chances of getting termites are high.

Unfortunately, not all termite or pest control companies will uphold their termite bonds and home or property owners may find themselves dealing with extreme amounts of damage due to negligence or fraud. In these situations, termite litigation may become necessary. A skilled termite lawyer can review the details of any existing termite bond, looking for ways you, as the property owner, can recover the damages you have suffered.

The Types of Termite Bonds

In most cases, there are usually two forms of termite bonds available. These include:

• Retreatment warranty. This is often the most common type of termite bond. It provides treatments for the home in the case of a subterranean termite infestation. These bonds, however, do not tend to cover the necessary repairs after termite damage occurs.
• Repair warranty. This is often more costly and harder to obtain. It covers the structure of a home, should any repairs become necessary if subterranean termites become present upon future home inspections.

FAQs

Contact a Termite Litigation Lawyer Today

You might be curious about whether a termite bond is right for you. Perhaps the provisions of your current termite bond have been violated by a fraudulent, negligent, or otherwise bad faith termite or pest control company. No matter the situation, Termite Tom can provide legal guidance and resolve your issues. Contact the offices of Campbell Law, P.C., today.