John A. and Bonnie W. Stepan, longtime residents of Palm Beach, have filed a Demand for Arbitration against Terminix/Rentokil, alleging the company failed to complete termite remediation work on their loggia dining room since 2020. The arbitration complaint, filed on June 26, 2026, seeks damages for breach of contract, systemic fraud, intentional infliction of mental distress, and violations of Florida consumer protection and elder abuse statutes. The Stepans, aged 79 and 80, claim they have been unable to use their dining room for approximately six years.
According to the complaint, the Stepans first reported termite damage in 2020. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, the work remains incomplete. The complaint alleges that by 2025, Terminix/Rentokil had retained and later dismissed two previous contractors. The company then hired One Stop Inc., a Coral Gables contractor, which allegedly performed defective work, used improper materials, violated electrical code requirements, and failed to address additional termite damage discovered during the project. The complaint also states that official communications from the Town of Palm Beach were sent to a former Terminix/Rentokil contractor and were not acted upon.
The Stepans' attorney, William D. McCann, stated that Mr. Stepan made hundreds of calls to various Terminix/Rentokil personnel, receiving no callbacks, untruthful excuses, and repeated delays. After the Stepans retained legal counsel, Terminix/Rentokil allegedly agreed to pay for complete remediation but later conditioned payment on the execution of a general release. The complaint references a prior arbitration involving retired Alabama school teachers who reportedly received a $2.8 million arbitration award after alleging similar conduct by Terminix.
The arbitration seeks punitive damages exceeding $13,000,000, alleging a pattern of conduct harming vulnerable elderly customers. The case highlights ongoing issues with service completion and consumer protection for seniors. The arbitration remains pending, and the allegations have not been adjudicated.
