Bed bugs are an unfortunate reality of city living—especially in a place as densely populated as New York City. With so many apartments close together, infestations can spread quickly if not handled properly. Because of this, New York City has strict laws in place to protect tenants and hold landlords accountable for disclosing and addressing bed bug problems. Knowing these rules can help both landlords and tenants avoid costly disputes and protect their rights. Here’s what every New Yorker should know, with insight from Positive Pest Management, your trusted local pest control experts.
Why Bed Bug Disclosure Laws Exist
Bed bugs are small, sneaky, and excellent at spreading from one unit to another. Unlike some pests, bed bugs don’t care about cleanliness or income levels—they can appear in luxury buildings and modest apartments alike.
Because infestations can quickly affect entire buildings, New York City created disclosure laws to promote transparency. These rules ensure that tenants are informed about any previous or current bed bug infestations before they move in. This helps renters make informed decisions and motivates landlords to take pest control seriously.
Without these laws, tenants could unknowingly move into an infested unit, leading to frustration, financial loss, and health concerns. Positive Pest Management has seen firsthand how awareness and prevention are far more effective than trying to fix a large infestation later.
What the NYC Bed Bug Disclosure Law Requires
Under New York City’s Housing Maintenance Code, property owners must provide tenants and prospective tenants with a Bed Bug Disclosure Form. This form reports whether there have been any bed bug infestations in the building or the specific unit within the previous 12 months.
Here’s what landlords are required to do:
- Provide Written Disclosure: When offering a lease or renewal, landlords must give tenants a completed Bed Bug Disclosure Form that details:
- Whether bed bugs have been found in the unit or building within the last year.
- Whether treatment was performed to eliminate them.
- Whether the infestation has been resolved.
- Post the Information Publicly: In multi-unit buildings, landlords must post the most recent bed bug history form in a visible common area or distribute it to tenants each year.
- Submit the Report to the City: Landlords must also file this information annually with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Failing to follow these requirements can result in violations or fines. More importantly, it can create mistrust and legal problems between landlords and tenants.
Why Disclosure Matters for Tenants
For tenants, this disclosure form provides valuable peace of mind. It helps you understand whether a unit has a history of bed bugs and whether the landlord has taken steps to properly treat and prevent future issues.
If a landlord fails to disclose past infestations or lies on the form, tenants may have legal grounds to file complaints or seek compensation. Bed bug infestations can lead to costly extermination bills, damaged furniture, and lost sleep—not to mention the stress of dealing with the pests themselves.
By law, tenants have the right to live in safe, habitable conditions. That means landlords are required to handle pest issues promptly and professionally.
Best Practices for Landlords
Responsible landlords know that being proactive about bed bugs protects their property and their tenants. Here are a few steps that help maintain compliance and trust:
- Schedule regular inspections. Professional inspections can detect early signs of bed bugs before they spread.
- Use licensed exterminators. Bed bug treatment requires specialized expertise—DIY methods rarely work.
- Educate tenants. Provide information about how to prevent infestations, such as avoiding secondhand furniture and inspecting luggage after travel.
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of any pest reports, treatments, and tenant communications. This protects landlords if disputes arise.
Partnering with a professional pest control company like Positive Pest Management helps landlords maintain a pest-free environment and comply with all NYC regulations.
What Tenants Should Do If They Find Bed Bugs
If you discover bed bugs in your apartment, report the issue to your landlord immediately in writing. Don’t try to handle it alone—bed bugs spread quickly and require coordinated treatment for the entire building if necessary.
Tenants should also:
- Avoid moving to another room or apartment without notifying management, as this can spread the problem.
- Cooperate with inspection and treatment efforts.
- Follow all preparation steps provided by pest control professionals.
If a landlord fails to act, tenants can file a complaint with NYC 311 or the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Protecting New Yorkers from Bed Bugs
New York City’s bed bug disclosure rules are designed to protect both tenants and landlords by promoting honesty, prevention, and prompt action. With accurate reporting and professional pest management, infestations can be controlled before they cause serious problems.
For landlords, following the law not only avoids penalties but also builds trust with tenants. For renters, knowing your rights ensures you can live comfortably and safely.
If you’re a landlord trying to meet compliance requirements or a tenant concerned about bed bugs in your building, Positive Pest Management can help. Our experienced team offers inspections, treatments, and expert advice to keep your property pest-free all year long.
By staying informed and proactive, New Yorkers can work together to stop bed bugs from spreading—one building at a time.
