When you’re a landlord, pest infestations should always be taken seriously. Bedbugs, in particular, are worrisome due to their persistence and how difficult it can be to remove them. Failure or improper handling of the situation will negatively affect both your relationship with the tenant and the property itself. If a tenant has told you they’ve spotted some warning signs, here’s what you need to do. 

Legal Importance

A bedbug infestation poses a significant health risk to the public, so you must act quickly. In most states, this is required by law. For example, in Texas, according to the state’s law code, they are considered to be a “public health nuisance.” Because of this, there are legal ramifications.

Once bedbugs are discovered and the local health authorities are notified, a landlord is given a certain amount of time to abate, or lessen the problem. If no action is taken, you can be subject to lawsuits and fines.

Course of Action

Once a tenant explains the situation, don’t delay in making an appointment with a pest control company. Ideally, this should occur within two days of the complaint. 

If you’re in charge of a multi-family unit, it’s best to check in with the other tenants to determine the extent of the possible infestation. To avoid panic, simply ask about their concerns; you don’t have to use the word “bedbug.”

Furthermore, for legal reasons, keep a record of both the tenant complaints and the pest control company’s efforts. 

Additional Steps

If you haven’t done so already, for your legal protection, consider incorporating a bedbug addendum for future contracts. This specifies that pest control actions were taken and the premises were free from bedbugs when the tenant moved in.

It also requires tenants to reveal if they’ve lived in areas where bedbugs were also prominent. Having this information readily available is critical for preventing an infestation. 

 

Whether your building has bedbugs or another type of pest, if there’s an infestation on your property, contact Hi-Tech Pest Pros in Houston, TX. Trusted by both residential and commercial customers, this locally owned and operated company specializes in custom pest control solutions. For more information and a free quote, visit their website or call them at (281) 335-5725.