Finally, some relief for bed bug weary consumers! The New York State Assembly is considering a bed bug bill that would provide a tax credit for personal property replaced because of a bed bug infestation. New York Senate Bill 7065/Assembly Bill 10081 would add a credit to New York state income tax forms that would allow residents to deduct 15% of qualified personal property replacement expenditures up to a $750 limit. Qualifying expenditures are expected to include furniture, rugs, mattresses and other personal and household goods that can be damaged when bed bugs infest a home or apartment.

The bill states: “The recent bedbug epidemic has brought legitimate suffering to New Yorkers statewide. Victims have contracted bedbugs from neighbors, hotel stays and a variety of other means. In addition to social stigma, the afflicted have experienced economic hardship as a result of the loss of furniture, bedding, clothing and other belongings that must be discarded during the extermination process. Bedbug infestations are not covered by most varieties of renters or homeowners insurance and this bill would offer a modest tax credit to assist affected New Yorkers.”