Is a bed bug addendum normal?

The Bed Bug Addendum is part of the pest control section of the lease that lays down both the landlord’s and the tenant’s rights and responsibilities should a bed bug infestation occur. However, all major cities usually have equivalent addendums in their rental agreements where similar rules apply.

Can bed bug disclosure?

California AB 551 requires residential landlords to disclose to existing or potential tenants certain information about bed bugs. Residential landlords are also prohibited from showing or renting a dwelling unit that the landlord knows has a bed bug infestation.

When to call the landlord about bed bugs?

Under such circumstances, the tenant likely introduced bed bugs into the environment accidentally, possibly with a recent furniture purchase or after traveling. If you have a bed bug infestation it is imperative that you contact your landlord or property management promptly to report the problem.

What should I do if I have bed bugs in my apartment?

Your landlord should respond by hiring a qualified exterminator to inspect the rental unit. The landlord must provide a notice of entry for the exterminator’s inspection to proceed. There is no federal law in place to govern bed bugs and landlords.

Do you have to disclose a bed bug infestation?

Some states require landlords to disclose past or present bed bug infestations, and even more states require landlords to disclose general issues with the property. Tenants who are concerned about a property’s bed bug-related past should ask the landlord outright about any prior infestations.

Who is responsible for the extermination of bed bugs?

As long as the tenant didn’t introduce the bed bugs, the landlord is usually responsible for extermination. Most states require landlords to provide habitable housing, and most courts don’t consider bed bug infested units to be habitable. So, as long as the tenant didn’t introduce the bed bugs, the landlord is usually responsible for extermination.

Why are bed bugs a problem for landlords?

Because infestations are so hard to prevent and control, bed bugs are a major problem for both landlords and tenants.

Who is responsible for getting rid of bed bugs?

However, there is a catch. If the tenant did not introduce the bed bugs, then the landlord is responsible for paying to get rid of the infestation. But if the tenant brought the bed bugs into the residence then the landlord is not responsible for paying.

What happens if you don’t report bed bugs?

A tenant’s failure to report bed bugs in this situation would also give the landlord grounds to terminate the tenant’s lease. Some tenants hesitate to report infestations, especially when state law doesn’t require them to.

What should I do if I find bed bugs in my rental?

Recognizing the problem bed bugs pose in rentals, some states and cities have bed bug laws requiring landlords and tenants to take certain measures to prevent bed bug infestations. Even if there are no applicable bed bug laws where you live, there are certain steps that you’ll want to take if you discover bed bugs in your rental.

Is a bed bug addendum normal?

You are not required to sign the bed bug addendum unless you’re certain of the absence of the pests. The addendum comes with strict rules, including agreements regarding pest control fees, attorney fees, not holding the landlord responsible for an infestation, confirmation of personal property insurance, etc.

Can I break my lease because of bed bugs Texas?

Your tenant might be able to break their lease because of a bed bug problem, especially if they can prove the vermin were there before they moved in. They can also break the lease if they notified you of the problem and you did nothing or didn’t act quickly enough.

Can you sue your landlord for bed bug infestation?

You absolutely can sue your landlord if there are bedbugs in your apartment – provided you follow the correct protocol for reporting the infestation beforehand. This type of lawsuit is known as a landlord negligence claim.

Can bed bugs travel through apartment walls?

They have been found in bathtubs but only as a result of falling off a wall or ceiling or someone throwing an infested item into the tub. However, bed bugs can use the pipe chases, electrical runs, and floor joists to travel from one apartment or room to the next. They can also easily crawl under walls and doors.

Why does my lease have a bed bug addendum?

Since infestations are so difficult to control and prevent, beg bugs are a major issue for both renters and landlords. An addendum seeks to protect the quality of the rental’s environment from bed bug effects by offering sufficient instructions and information.

Can bed bugs infest a whole building?

In some cases when the bed bug infestation is widespread, the landlord may decide to have the whole building treated in one go. Take note that your landlord isn’t responsible for finding you a temporary home during the treatment. Just use a bed bug encasement and you’re good to go.

What does pest control do in apartments?

They’ll go around the apartment to spray and then they’ll hit any hot spots that you may have noticed. If you have a bug infestation, like with cockroaches or ants, they may set bait and traps in addition to spraying. Depending on how many bugs they find, they may need to come back in a few weeks to retreat.

Can bed bugs travel through walls from one apartment to another?

With that in mind, it should come to know surprise that they absolutely can travel from one infested apartment to other neighboring units. Once in the walls, bed bugs can easily travel along electrical wires and plumbing pipes to reach other rooms, or even other apartments.

What does a bed bug lease addendum do?

Bed Bug Lease Addendum Template. A bedbug lease addendum is a form that informs a tenant that there is not a bed bug infestation on the premises of a dwelling. Due to the difficulty in exterminating this type of bug, the states of Arizona, California, and Maine have made it a requirement that the landlord has to provide a history…

Who is required to sign the bed bug addendum?

Two blank lines labeled “Resident” have been presented so the Tenant or Resident may supply this required signature. After signing his or her Name, each Tenant or Resident will also need to enter the “Date” when he or she signs it.

How to report a bed bug infestation on a lease?

If information regarding a Bedbug Infestation must be provided to the Tenant and has not been described in the previous statements, then mark the “Other” check box then, present a report with this information on the blank line provided. 4 – The Tenant And Landlord Must Each Present A Signature To Authenticate This Document

Where can I find the Maine bed bug disclosure template?

The Disclosure Template can be opened then saved to your computer by clicking this link: Maine Bedbug Infestation Disclosure. If you have an editing program compatible with this file version, you may use it to enter information directly onscreen Otherwise you may fill out this form manually so long as it is legible and in blue or black ink.