Being a renter is not always easy.  Encountering bed bugs once you move into an establishment can be frightening!  Often times, your rights are difficult to decipher depending on where you live.  The first rule of thumb is…. don’t panic.  

Property owners and landlords have legal obligations to provide safe and habitable accommodations for tenants.  Taking possession of a property that is infested with bed bugs may constitute unacceptable living conditions.  It is wise to know your rights and contact your municipal health agency or housing authority for more information.

In most cases, tenants are not allowed to apply pesticides for bed bugs at their rental property.  Often times landlords, building managers and owners are not legally allowed to either.  They must hire a licensed pest control operator to confirm the infestation and they will develop an integrated pest management program.  If you mis-apply pesticides, you are legally liable.

Infested furniture can be treated and cleaned to remove bed bugs.  You should never place your infested furniture on the street as it is likely to spread the bed bugs to your neighbors.  If you do decide to get rid of your infested furniture, rip it up!  It would be a shame if an unknowing taker would be infested too, thereby spreading the problem.   Property owners should insure that any furniture that is in need of disposal, be carted away immediately to the landfill.

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