Tenant Thursday - Bed Bugs in Baltimore. Ever heard of bed bugs? Yup, they're for real, and they are a real problem. The cost and inconvenience of removal is enormous.
Last year, one of my tenants in a multi family unit had a bed bug problem. As an accomodation, I treated the property using a licensed professional and the property was cleared of bed bugs. The tenant claims they complied with all of the instructions provided to them by the pest removal service.
Fast forward, one year later. The tenant has bed bugs again. Fortunately, it is only this one unit. The other units in the property are bug free.
The tenant works in Baltimore City, and is in and out of the city's high rise project homes. These homes are notorious for their rampant bed bug infestations.
I've checked with the Baltimore County Department of Health and was referred to the Maryland Department of the Environment who told me to again check with the Department of Health. I've given up, and am checking with my attorney.
In the meantime, I'm interested in your opinion - in this scenario, who should undertake the expense of this second infestation?
Clients always ask me: Are you on the web?
See for yourself.
Tim McIntyre, GRI, Ellicott City Realtor, Catonsville Realtor
Helping Clients Buy, Sell and Invest in
Howard County, Carroll County and Baltimore County
for more than 25 years.
tmcintyre@cbmove.com 410-480-3555
www.timsellshomes.com
The owner/property manager should take care of it immediately. They are a real pest and are spreading like wildfire againt through the US. NPR is talking about it today between now and noon.
I think checking with your attorney. Does the lease cover issues like this?
Yvette - thanks for reading. knowing the tenant works in buildings known to be infested, is the landlord still responsible in your opinion? and how many times does the landlord handle removal? i will try to catch that program.
Alan - unfortunately, it's not specifically in the lease. but it will be in the future. thanks!
I am itching just thinking about it. I dont have an answer for you, but I think there are grounds to say it is the tennants problem