Got Roaches?

So, I started seeing roaches in my kitchen a couple of months ago. I am not someone who is afraid of them, but I am also someone who does not want them.

I called the land lord and told him about them. He did nothing. I called back and he left me some traps. Caught a lot of them, but that does not solve the problem.
I told him I want the building exterminated. He admitted that the guy up on the top floor who has been there for 20 years had a bad infestation in his kitchen and never reported it. He said he got quotes and it is going to cost over $700 to do the building.

So a few weeks went by and still no resolution. I called him last week and he said he wants to come by my place, pull out the kitchen cabinets, and seal off anywhere they can come in. I told him that was a waste of time, since there is no way you can just seal off an apartment. They will get in other ways. He was insistent. I told him I want the place exterminated and I want the extermination report.

I am trying to be diplomatic with him, but it seems that like most landlords, he does not want to spend the money.

So, I am writing a letter that will be sent to him in mid December that states he will exterminate them, or I will withhold the rent per the SF Rental laws. http://www.sfgov.org/site/rentboard_page.asp?id=4062 and will file a complaint with the rent board if the problem is not resolved by January 15th.

I should have sent the letter a month ago.