Staying up to date on the laws affecting rental properties is so important as a landlord. Luckily, here at RentPro we’ve got you covered! So, let’s talk about the newest landlord-tenant Act that’s gone into effect this year. This Act is all about our least favorite critter… Bed bugs!
Here’s what you need to know. First, if one of your tenants tells you that they suspect bed bugs you need to act quickly. The new law requires the landlord to have an official inspector conduct an inspection within 96 hours of receiving the tenant complaint. Next, the landlord must give written notice to the tenants of the inspector’s findings within two business days of the inspection.
What to do if the inspector does NOT find bed bugs: The landlord still needs to report the lack of findings to their tenant in writing. If the tenant isn’t satisfied with the inspector’s report then it is their (the tenants) responsibility to contact the local health department. No further landlord involvement is necessary unless determined by the health department.
What to do if the inspector DOES find bed bugs: Again, make the tenant aware of these findings through written notice. Next, the landlord has five days to carry out reasonable extermination measures that were determined by the inspector. The landlord will be fully responsible for paying the extermination fees.
The good news is the landlord is not responsible for covering the cost of any damage that was done to the tenant’s personal property as a result of the bed bugs. Also, the landlord is not responsible for providing alternative lodging for the tenants during the extermination process.
Bed bugs are definitely no good, but knowing the current laws affecting landlords is great. Make sure you’re following RentPro on social media to stay in the loop with all things property management.