Commercial landlord responsibility to handle a bed bug problem in rental units

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COMMERCIAL LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITY TO HANDLE A BED BUG PROBLEM IN RENTAL UNITS

Through increased travel and the decreased use of pesticides, bedbugs are on the rise again. Today, as many as 90% of pest controllers report receiving calls about bedbugs. Unfortunately, many hotels are becoming infested, putting customers at risk of being bitten or worse, bringing bedbugs home. Fear not, however, as there are ways to protect bedding. Tenant’s Right to Know About a History of Bed Bug Problems in a Rental Property: Most tenants don’t want to move into a rental unit that has problems such as flooding, and several states have laws requiring these types of landlord disclosures. For details on states that require landlord disclosure of bed bug problems, bed-bugpest-control.info Bed bug problems happen to even the best of apartments. Bed bugs can catch a ride in suitcases, used furniture, second hand mattresses or even on clothing. Bed bugs can travel from other apartments into another building.Here’s how to deal with a bed bug infestation. (Hint: Leave it to pest control for bed bugs professionals) Report the Bed Bug Problem to the Landlord If there is a suspicion of a bed bugs infestation, contact the landlord or manager right away. The landlord should bring in a qualified exterminators to inspect for and measure the concentration of bed bugs in the rental and all adjoining units. It is the responsibility of the landlord to give proper notice of entry for the exterminator’s inspections. In Washington Seattle have specific laws on the books covering landlord and tenant duties regarding bed bug infestations. Get Ready for an Exterminator’s Inspection Try to get information beforehand as to what to expect from an inspection. Typically, a pest control for bed bugs professional will examine the bedrooms (such as mattresses and bedding). As well as look closely into drawers, closets, and shelves. A pest control for bed bug professional will also determine the source, and attempt to confirm where the bed bugs originated, and learn whether and how the problem spread. Inspecting the infestation may also help determine when a particular rental unit became infested, which the landlord may use to apportion financial responsibility for the extermination. How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs, Exterminators usually recommend that tenants in bed bug-infested units take the following steps: Remove all clutter. Remove all items from closets, shelves, and drawers, Wash all bedding and clothing and put washed items in sealed plastic bags. Thoroughly vacuum. Leave the premises during the exterminator’s treatment. Destroy infested items that can’t be treated such as a mattress.


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