Bedbugs are not just gross, they are a major problem in rental units here in San Francisco. As a tenant, you have the right to a rental unit that is free from pests and vermin, including bedbugs. This has long been the law. Recently, California made the law even stronger with the passage of AB 551.
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Fighting bed bugs in rental housing takes the cooperation of both lanlords and tenants. AB 551 provides a framework of rights and responsibilities for both. Among other things, the bill would:
- Require landlords to provide to every tenant information about bed bugs and the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.
- Prohibit tenants from bringing items known to be infested into the unit.
- Mandate that tenants report any suspected infestations within seven days.
- Require a landlord to retain services of a pest control operator within three days of notification.
- Require a landlord, if an infestation is confirmed, to provide notice to tenants within 48 hours and contract with a pest control operator to prepare and implement a bed bug treatment program within a reasonable time.
- Protect tenants from landlord retaliation if tenants report a bed bug infestation.
- Make tenants responsible for preparing their units as directed by a hired pest control operator.
- Keep the property subject to a bed bug management plan, once bed bugs have been controlled.
- Prescribe requirements for the disposal of items infested by bed bugs.
See https://caanet.org/bed-bug-bill-passes-judiciary-committee/ for more details.
If your apartment or home is infested with bedbugs, and your landlord is not doing anything about it, or trying to charge you for pest removal, or trying to say it’s your fault, please contact us. We may be able to help you deal with the situation. We may be contacted at info@lptlc.org or 414.775.1182. All our services are free.
