When it comes to helping your friend move, you may want to think twice before accepting that freebie couch, mattress or love seat. The free furniture may come with some unwanted hitchhikers: bed bugs. Bed bugs (and their eggs) can live on these items, as well as clothing and other upholstered items, and will happily become permanent roommates with you unless you’re swift in your response.
A resurgence of bed bugs across the United States has led to increased attention by the legislature. Although bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease, they do cause rashes and allergic reactions, thereby warranting regulation. With laws addressing bed bugs on the books since the early 20th century, state legislatures have recently updated their rules to reflect modern society. As of the end of 2015, 22 states and one territory had updated laws addressing bed bug infestations. Some topics addressed include landlord and tenant rules, what entails legal elimination of the pests, migrant labor camps and hotels.
Tenant-Landlord Expectations
Tenants have three business days to notify their landlord of a suspected bedbug infestation. Within seven days of receiving the written notification, landlords must have a licensed pest-control service inspect the unit. Given the speed at which bedbugs multiply and spread, it’s important (though not legally required) that professionals inspect the surrounding units for bedbugs as well. Landlords can set regulations around how tenants work to prevent bedbugs, such as washing their belongings in hot water. If a tenant does not follow the protocol, they may be financially responsible for any pest control services.
Bedbug Controls
All of Arizona’s regulations around bedbugs pertain solely to rental units; single family homes are exempt.
Public Nuisances Dangerous to Public Health
A.R.S. § 36-601 identifies the existence of bedbugs in any public sleeping space a public nuisance that constitutes a dangerous public health concern.
Prohibition on adopting landlord tenant bedbug control requirements
| A.R.S. § 9-500.31 prevents cities and towns from controlling tenant-landlord bedbug controls. They may, however, put restrictions on how items are disposed of that are infested with bedbugs. |
Bedbug control
| A.R.S. § 11-269.11 prohibits Boards of Supervisors from regulating tenant-landlord bedbug controls. Like cities and towns, they may place restrictions on how items are disposed of that are infested with bedbugs. |
| A.R.S. § 33-1319 disallows landlords from knowingly renting property that has the presence of bedbugs. Likewise, tenants may not intentionally bring items into a rental unit that carry bedbugs. Landlords must offer tenants educational materials concerning bedbugs. |
If bedbugs are tormenting you or your business, call Preventive Pest Control for reliable Arizona bed bug control. Our professional technicians are trained in the most effective and safe methods of bedbug elimination. We use the least amount of chemicals to ensure your family, pet and customer’s safety.