Ugh! Bed bugs! They are so disgusting…but they happen to the best of us. Even the cleanest of homes can get bed bugs from neighbors or they can be taken home from a trip. But no matter how bed bugs happen, you want to get rid of them and you want to get rid of them fast! If you live in a condo, you might be wondering who is responsible for bed bugs in a condo? Figuring out who is responsible will help you determine who will be calling the service and picking up the bill. But the answer to this question is not so cut and dried. If bed bugs originate in the unit, they will be the owner’s responsibility but if they come from another unit, it’s up to the association to act. Read on to find out more about bed bugs in condos.
Who Is Responsible?
Sometimes bed bugs originate in one condo unit. This will be the case if the condo owner brought the bugs home from a trip or if sanitation issues brought the bugs around. If this is the case, it’s up to the owner to get rid of bed bugs in a condo complex. However, it could be that the bugs come in from a neighboring unit. Bed bugs can easily migrate through the electrical wiring or plumbing in shared walls. If the association is made aware of infestations that occur in the common elements of the building, it is up to them to take action because these properties are the association’s responsibility. There may also be an existing declaration requiring the association to take preventative measures to ensure no infestations occur in common elements.
Dealing With the Association
Situations may arise in which the association refuses to take action. They may claim the infestation is not their fault or they may just choose not to deal with it. In these instances, tenants may take action. They can file a claim due to the association’s failure to properly maintain common areas and endangering the health of tenants. If the Public Health Department is brought in, they will make the association deal with the infestation. It is also the owner’s responsibility to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infestations. They must provide educational materials so tenants are aware of sanitary practices. They should also conduct regular inspections and treatments to ensure infestations will not get out of hand. The cost of providing these resources and services will be included in HOA fees.
How To Prevent Infestations
While the association must take steps to eliminate bed bugs in common areas, it is the owner’s responsibility to keep their homes free of these nasty critters. Therefore, owners must take steps to clean their sheets regularly, eliminate clutter, and vacuum frequently. Inspect second-hand items and go through luggage carefully. Clean all items before storing them. If bed bugs occur, cleaning blankets and stuffed animals with hot water, vacuuming, and even replacing certain household items may help keep the spread under control. But extermination is the only way to get rid of them for good. You may have to move out while extermination occurs. If the infestation is the responsibility of the association, they may have to pick up the tab for alternate lodging. Hopefully, this answers the question ‘who is responsible for bed bugs in a condo?’ Good luck with keeping your unit safe.