Who is legally responsible for paying for the extermination of bedbugs – the landlord or the tenant?
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Who is legally responsible for paying for the extermination of bedbugs – the landlord or the tenant?
Asked on June 14, 2015 under Real Estate Law, Iowa
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
The laws governing who is finacially responsibile for the extermination of bed bugs vary from state-to-state. However, many states place the responsibility for bed bug treatments on landlords (i.e. landords pay). This is due to the fact that landlords are in a position to most effectively treat all areas (including the common areas) on the rental premises and also because such an infestation can affect the health of tenants and the habitability of the rental.
If a landlord refuses to act or tries to get the tenant to bear the costs of extermination, they should contact a local landlord-tenant attorney right away to find out how best to address the problem.
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