Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bugs?

By far one of the biggest annoyances that can happen to an apartment resident or homeowner is the emergence of bed bugs. In the event that you find bed bugs, what do you do? More importantly, who is responsible for treatment and control? Innovative Properties, a property management company in Annapolis, MD, is here today to answer the question: Are landlords responsible for bed bugs?

Are Landlords Responsible for Bed Bugs?

Paying for bed bug treatment can be a very costly undertaking, which makes it very important to try and identify where exactly these bed bugs came from. Landlords will also conduct an investigation to see if the bed bugs came from a tenant or if they came from a larger infestation in the complex. 

According to Maryland state law, landlords are responsible for bed bug extermination PRIOR to the rental or lease period. Once a single residency unit has begun occupancy, however, that resident is responsible. In a multi-occupancy unit, responsibility falls on the property owner to pay for and follow through with extermination proceedings. 

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that inhabit bedding, mattresses, etc. and survive on mammal blood. Bed bugs are normally brownish red and can easily be mistaken for a tick. While bed bugs do not often spread infection, they do bite and suck blood. These bites can cause serious skin rashes that can be extremely itchy.

How Do I Inspect For Bed Bugs?

If you are a landlord or tenant and are unsure of how to conduct a bed bug inspection, here are a few helpful tips. If you are a landlord, you should be conducting routine inspections for bed bugs to make sure that you are aware of your property’s health and safety. If you are a tenant, make sure that you keep up with proper cleaning in your apartment and regularly washing your bedding. If you notice small, red bites on your skin, reach out to your landlord ASAP and start inspection. 

Use a flashlight and inspect every inch of your bedroom, bedding, furniture and closet space for any signs of dead eggs or bugs, and be on the lookout for any drops of blood in your bedding. Drops of blood in your bedding is a sign that feeding may be taking place.

How To Remove Bed Bugs

The first thing that you will need to do to remove bed bugs from your home is to contact a pest control company. Bed bugs are no joke! Removing bed bugs will require several weeks of intense pesticide spraying over the infested areas. For keeping bed bugs away for good, there are many things that you as a tenant can do, such as:

• Regularly clean and vacuum
• Reduce clutter
• Cover your power outlets
• Regularly inspect furniture
• Seal windows and door jambs

Need Professional Property Management in Anne Arundel County?

Are you looking for professional property management services in Anne Arundel County? At Innovative Properties we specialize in turnkey property management solutions for residential homeowners and commercial property owners in the Annapolis Maryland area. Property owners can feel at peace knowing that Innovative Properties is managing their investment. We treat each property we manage as if it were our home and our core principles of honesty, integrity, and professionalism are at the core of each service we offer. Learn more about our services by contacting our team today.