Bedbugs spread fast, posing a serious issue for every housing provider, irrespective of who resides in the building. Moreover, they’re very difficult and costly to eliminate. Once they make their way into a rental unit, they could spread from one unit to another, making it hard for pest control professionals to eliminate them.
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.
In addition, it states the renter’s responsibilities clearly. Here’s what you should know about an addendum.
Landlord Disclosure
Some cities and states have specific bedbug laws requiring property owners to disclose a rental’s bedbug history if a potential renter asks; others need disclosure even if nobody asks. Almost all laws prevent a property owner from advertising or renting a unit with a known infestation. Beyond disclosing the bedbug history and forbidding the rental of infested units, some laws require property owners to:
- Provide renters with information regarding bedbugs. The disclosure could comprise how to identify a bedbug infestation and bedbug prevention.
- Investigate possible infestations as soon as possible
Certain laws give property owners a specific time frame-frequently 24-48 hours to investigate upon receiving a complaint regarding possible bed bugs. Even if a legal requirement doesn’t exist, landlords must investigate complaints surrounding bedbugs as soon as possible to ensure they provide renters with habitable premises.
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Hire Professional Exterminators
Bedbug extermination isn’t a DIY project. Landlords must hire insured and competent pest control professionals who can handle the issue on the first attempt. In the event that an exterminator has to access your rental, the landlord should provide appropriate notice before anybody enters.
Protecting Yourself in case you’re held responsible for a bedbug problem
If you’re concerned about being held liable for an infestation consider these measures:
- When moving in or signing an agreement, inquire whether the unit has had any bedbug problems in the past. If the property owner admits to a previous issue, indicate this on the inventory form. If bedbugs emerge later, the form can help prove that you aren’t at fault because the unit had bedbugs before your arrival.
- If you spot bed bugs, write a dated and signed letter to the property owner concerning the issue. Send it via certified mail, return the requested receipt so you can prove that the property owner received it. Maintain a copy of the letter for record purposes.
The landlord has approximately a week to resolve the issue. If you haven’t received any feedback, contact the local board of health, code inspector, or a private company for the apartment’s inspection. If the inspection verifies that bed bugs exist, send a second dated letter to your property owner, demanding that the issue be addressed immediately.
Effect of an Addendum
A bed bug addendum is lease’s addition. Signing it means that you agree that the unit you’re renting is bedbug-free. Ensure you do the following:
Inspect the unit within or before 48 hours of moving in. Keep in mind that bed bugs can be hard to find, so the only way to be certain is hiring an exterminator for an apartment inspection.
Read the addendum and lease. Both might require you to inform the landlord if you’ve ever resided in a bedbug-infested place. You might also need to grant pest control professionals access to your unit for treatment and inspection.
Final Thoughts
A bedbug infestation can be troublesome for both landlord and tenant. Nevertheless, an addendum offers a guideline on what’s expected of you as a renter.
For more information on the bedbug addendum, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.