Bed Bugs In Rental Properties

Bed bugs in rental properties are a huge inconvenience and can be incredibly upsetting to discover as a tenant or a landlord. While these pests don’t cause any significant health risk, they can be difficult to get rid of, causing itchy bites and getting into possessions. Landlords and tenants must do their best to prevent bed bugs and work together to effectively eliminate them should an infestation occur.

Landlords and property managers must address bed bug infestations, per Landlord BC. Bed bug infestations aren’t emergencies since they’re so low-risk. While dealing with the infestation, landlords must respect tenant rights by giving 24-hour notice before entering a unit. To eliminate bed bugs rapidly, renters must follow landlord and pest control provider instructions.

Bed bugs are an increasing concern in British Columbia’s rental housing market. These small pests can spread quickly between units, causing stress for tenants and property owners alike. Many renters ask: who is responsible for bed bug control — the landlord or the tenant?
Here’s what the BC Residential Tenancy Act says, and what both parties must do to keep rental properties pest-free.

In most cases, the landlord pays for bed bug removal, since maintaining a habitable home is part of their legal duty. The cost of inspection and treatment is considered part of normal property maintenance, unless it can be proven that the tenant’s negligence caused the infestation.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), landlords must maintain their rental properties in a clean and habitable condition. That includes addressing pest infestations such as bed bugs.

• Give tenants proper written notice before entry
• Provide preparation instructions (laundry, decluttering, moving furniture, etc.)
• Ensure treatments are done by qualified professionals.
• Keep documentation of inspection and treatment reports

For more details, see the Government of BC’s official guidance on repairs and maintenance.

Bed bugs are chemically sensitive and hard to kill with commercial insecticides. DO NOT SPRAY YOUR UNIT. Contact your landlord for professional pesticide treatment.

Once reported or recognized by a landlord, the suite/unit must be thoroughly inspected. This will provide the pest control firm a baseline to work from, allowing them to make advice on how to prepare for treatment and define the following stages to guarantee the best result and bed bug extermination from the unit.

The landlord and renter should view the new apartment first. This guarantees that both of you agree on unit cleanliness and condition. It will also let you check for mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs, which are frequent in rental properties. Know the indications before renting a place.

Tenants should be told if the building has had bedbug problems, but they must expressly ask the owner. Before moving into your new property, tenants should check their furniture and bedding for bed bugs.

Moving vehicles often have bed bugs. Think of how many other people like you have hired this truck to help them move into a new home. Buy a mattress cover and cover other upholstered items like couches and chairs to prevent bugs from getting into your furniture.

Tenants also play a critical role in resolving bed bug problems. Cooperation is essential to ensure treatment success and prevent re-infestation.

If you see signs of bed bugs — bites, reddish stains, or small dark spots on bedding — you must notify your landlord in writing immediately. Delaying a report can allow the infestation to spread, making removal harder and more expensive.

Even when we’re careful, bed bugs might come through guests, secondhand clothes or furniture, a vacation, or a neighbouring apartment. Any infestation must be addressed immediately. Landlords and renters may swiftly address issues by working together.

Bed bug infestations spread fast, and DIY solutions rarely solve the problem. That’s why many landlords rely on professional pest-control experts like 1st Pest Control.
Our team uses modern, safe, and effective methods — including biopesticides such as Aprehend® and discreet heat or chemical treatments — to eliminate bed bugs quickly and prevent them from returning.

Serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, and across the Lower Mainland, we’re here to protect your property and peace of mind.