Due to increased travel and globalization, the spread of bed bugs has been on the rise for the past couple of decades. Just the idea of “bed bugs” can make your skin itch, and for good reason, they feed on human blood and leave behind red bite marks. As a landlord, it’s important that you know what to do in the case of bed bug infestations.
Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bugs?
Whether a landlord or renter is responsible for a bed bug infestation varies by state. In most states, landlords are required to provide habitable housing. If you were to rent someone a unit that has a bed bug infestation, you are typically responsible for covering the expenses for an exterminator. If there were no bed bugs before the renter moved in, then that means the renter is likely the cause of the infestation. In these cases, they would need to cover the bill.
It’s often difficult to determine who is at fault for bed bugs. If you rent out a property with multiple units, it can be nearly impossible to determine how the bed bugs got there. It’s also likely that once one unit is infested, the bugs can spread to others. That’s why it’s important for you to have insurance that covers these cases since you often get stuck paying the bill for extermination costs and other related expenses.
Bed Bug Laws by State
Get to know your state’s bed bug laws and what you’re responsible for as a landlord. Every state except Arkansas has an implied warranty of habitability that may cover bed bug infestations. This law orders landlords to meet a certain set of standards pertaining to the livability of their property, including having an infestation-free place for renters to live. Arizona, California, Florida, Nebraska, and New Hampshire have laws that specifically address bed bug infestations in rental properties.
- Arizona: Under Arizona law, bed bugs are considered a public nuisance. Landlords may not lease a property that has a bed bug infestation. Renters also must notify landlords of any known infestations, and they may not knowingly bring in any furniture or mattresses that have bed bugs. Renters are not responsible for damages due to bed bugs.
- California: If your property is fully furnished, California law requires you to provide clean and safe bedding. This means it must be free of bed bugs. Laws also prohibit you from renting or showing a property that has a known infestation.
- Florida: Landlords in Florida must take care of exterminating a variety of pests, including bed bugs. During the treatment, the renter must leave the property. The renter is not responsible for paying rent during the time they cannot reside at the property due to pest treatment. This is even the case if the renter is the one who is responsible for causing the infestation.
- Nebraska: If you are the owner of a boarding house, you must keep it clean of bed bugs. This law does not apply to normal landlords.
- New Hampshire: Landlords may not rent out units with known infestations. You are responsible for conducting regular, proactive inspections to ensure there are no bed bugs in your properties. If your renter refuses to leave a unit that you learned has bed bugs for treatment, you have the right to evict them. Landlords are responsible for paying for the investigation and treatment of bed bugs.
Can Renters Terminate Their Lease in a Case of Bed Bugs?
A few states, like Maine and New York, require landlords to disclose previous or current bed bug infestations to renters. You may also need to disclose bed bug infestations in neighboring units. This may even be the case if you have already followed the proper extermination protocols.
Even if you do not have to disclose this information, renters have the right to inquire about previous infestations. If you are deceitful about your property’s history, your renters may have the right to sue you or terminate their lease free of penalties. This is especially true if a renter is negatively impacted by bed bugs you did not get rid of before they moved into your property.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
You almost always need a professional exterminator to get rid of bed bugs. That’s because bed bugs are notorious for hiding in nooks and cracks within any space. Exterminators use a variety of treatments, including high heat and steam, on areas infested with bed bugs. They may use a professional-strength insecticide to kill the bed bugs. Some pest-control companies even have dogs that are trained to sniff out bed bugs to ensure the infestation is fully gone.
There are also a few things your renters can do to combat bed bug infestations. Instruct renters to clean up any clutter in their unit. Bed bugs can hide in clutter, so clearing the area makes it easier for the exterminator to find them. Renters can also either throw away their mattresses or seal them in an airtight mattress case. Let them know that they need to leave this encasement on for at least a year.
Renters should also wash all their belongings. They need to wash bedding and clothing in hot water and dry them on medium or high heat. They should also vacuum everything multiple times, including their floor, furniture, and any nooks where bed bugs are likely to hide. It’s important that they dispose of their vacuum bag in an outdoor dumpster to avoid re-infestation.
Bed bugs are a major headache for landlords and renters alike. By knowing your rights and renter’s rights, you’ll know what to do in the event of an infestation. Acting fast can help you decrease the severity of the infestation and help your renters feel comfortable in their living space once again. To help avoid infestations and provide peace of mind should one occur, you should outline the protocols for resolving it in your lease agreement or verbally.
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