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How can a landlord prove you brought in bed bugs?

I found bed bugs in my apartment and my landlord says they aren’t responsible for taking care of it. They claim there weren’t any bed bugs when I moved in, so I must have brought them in. I live in a big building, so I don’t know how my landlord can prove this. How do landlords prove you brought in bed bugs?

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Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Bed bugs are the worst. They’re especially common in apartment buildings and large cities, so know you aren’t the only person who’s experienced them. That said, it can be difficult for a landlord to prove you brought in bed bugs if you live in a large building.
If you live in a house with only two apartments, it’d be a lot easier for your landlord to prove you brought in bed bugs. For example, your landlord could show:
  • Proof of extermination previously
  • Proof that the house was pest-free from a pest control officer
  • Pictures of the house
  • Proof that pest-control measures are in place
  • Proof the infestation is only in your unit
However, when you live in a large building, it’s incredibly difficult to pinpoint the cause of bed bugs. Bed bugs can spread quickly, and others in your building may be experiencing the same issues.
In some instances, an exterminator may be able to find the cause of bedbugs, like someone’s luggage or furniture, or if you’re the only tenant in the building experiencing an issue.
Even so, it may still be your landlord’s responsibility to get rid of the bed bugs, even if you were at fault. You can review your lease and your city’s ordinances to determine who is responsible for exterminating bed bugs or other pests.
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