New Jersey Is In The Process Of Clarifying Landlord-Tenant Bed Bug Laws

Posted on February 18, 2010 with No Comments

In New Jersey, a bill is in play that will change the protocol when it comes to tenants, landlords and bed bugs. As of now, Landlords have to treat for bed bugs, however, after treatment is done, the costs can be passed along to the tenants. The problem with this is simple; most tenants can’t pay for the treatment, as well as follow-up treatment. So, instead of reporting the problem, they would rather not tell the landlord, and live with it. This in the long run costs the landlord more money, as they have to treat it later. The bill, however, would change that. When notified of the bed bug infestation, the landlord has to treat for it, and at their own expense. If the landlord doesn’t treat the bed bugs, they will be fined. Also, a local health board will come in, treat for the bed bugs, and then bill the landlord.

It is up to the tenant to notify the landlord. The landlord has up to 10 day to start treatment. This forces the landlord to be proactive and be on top of the process. Then the tenants must give the landlord access with 48 hour notice to inspect and treat the area. However, if the tenant fails to do so, they then become liable for the cost of getting rid of the bed bugs. Also, if bed bugs are present when the tenant moves out, the cost of getting rid of them will be taken from the security deposit.

There are some flaws to the bill. For instance, landlords are only responsible for one treatment and one follow-up per year. This is less than most treatments require. Additional treatments that maybe needed would be placed on the tenant. Also, the 48 hour notice maybe too little. Making a person who works everyday clean all their clothes and bag everything, in the span of 48 hours in which they work the majority of them, might be unrealistic. This is not to mention the burden it would be on those who are seniors or need assistance. Regardless of the flaws, this bill does improves the laws that are in place. If it would be put into effect, it would have a great benefit to all those effected, landlords and tenants alike.

If you are a landlord or a tenant, and think you have bed bugs, please do not hesitate to contact us. Let us get a K9 Bed Bug Inspection Dog out to see if in fact your really do have bed bugs present.

Our friends over at Bedbugger.com informed us of this story.