Are bed bugs a landlord’s problem?
Given that the Rugby World Cup is now over and Paris hotels are reported to be infested with bed bugs, have no doubt that we are expecting the little critters to be transported to the UK and to have several enquiries from your residents that they have a problem and would like you to sort it out!
First question to be addressed is: who is responsible for dealing with the infestation?
If your resident believes they have a bed bug infestation, their first thought will be for you to deal with the issue.
Ultimately, your responsibility as a landlord is to ensure the home you give to your resident is suitable to live in. If you let a property that already has bed bugs, obviously it is well within their right to ask for you to deal with the issue and remove them. This means that landlords are responsible for getting rid of bed bugs before a tenant moves in.
Therefore, if we receive a call now from an resident that has been in the home for at least six months we will be taking the position that they will need to deal with the issue.
What are the symptoms of infestation?
Bed bugs often live in fabric, such as furniture and bedding, but can also hide under pictures, loose wallpaper, or even be on seats of buses or trains.
As they’re so small and only active at night, it’s often hard to spot the small creatures themselves. While it’s possible, it may be easier to spot the signs that they are there. A few ways to spot the signs are:
- Small and itchy bites on exposed skin, such as the face, neck, or arms
- Spots of blood on bedding (from squashing the bug)
- Small brown spots or stains on bedding or furniture
What’s the problem with bed bugs?
Bed bugs are considered ‘nuisance pests’ – which means that while they don’t spread harmful diseases, they’re a nuisance to live with and to remove. They are incredibly small – 5-7 millimetres long – and it’s easy for them to get into a home without anyone noticing.
Considering the bugs can live for up to six months without food, one of the most difficult problems people face is the fact they’re so hard to remove – and may only be noticed when there is a full infestation.
When your resident responsible for removing bed bugs?
If a resident has been in a property for at least six months, it is likely that they have introduced the bed bugs themselves – whether the bugs were accidentally carried on suitcases/luggage or brought in by a guest. It is will be their responsibility to pay for pest control and removal.
How can we help you and residents prevent an infestation in the first place?
It’s good to get in the habit of regularly communicating to residents the ways for them to stay safe and protected.
Encourage residents to:
- Wash bedding and clothes on a hot wash (at least 60 degrees Celsius) and tumble dry on a hot setting for 30 minutes.
- Put affected clothes and bedding in the freezer for a few hours before washing.
- Clean and vacuum frequently, and then tip out the vacuum quickly – bed bugs can live in the vacuum dust quite happily and escape.
- Not keep clutter around the bed.
- Check all second-hand furniture before bringing into the home.
- Don’t take clothes/luggage indoors if they came from somewhere with bed bugs.
Fingers crossed it doesn’t happen but it is always to be prepared. If you would like a chat with our property management team to find out how we help you plan ahead for property management issues, just book a call with us by clicking here.
