Bed Bug Clause in Lease?

Question

We own a multi unit property in Michigan and have had an ongoing issue with bed bugs. We had the entire house heat treated recently and a new tenant moved in and we have another infestation. I know that fault is difficult to prove, but is there any language we can add to the lease to hold the tenant responsible?

Greg Scott · Answer

Heat treatment is more expensive and less effective than other treatments.  In places like Michigan when it is cold outside, heat treatments are even less effective.  Bedbugs can find plenty of places to hide in cracks where the heat won't penetrate, especially when cooled from the outside.  I'd recommend you try again using chemicals.  Regardless of treatment, you will need the cooperation of the residents. They need to clean their clothes and bedding to get rid of any eggs.

The professionals I have spoken with tell me that bed bugs normally do not travel (like roaches).  You will typically find them only in bedrooms and where people sit.  Unless the infestation is severe, it is rare for them to travel between units.  Their favorite form of travel is to latch on to a visitor who brings them home.

You are going to have a VERY hard time pinning costs on a resident.  Every owner I know just sucks up treatment as a cost of doing business. With roaches you can often find a housekeeping problem.  Bed bugs are more like mosquitos so even the cleanest of residents can have problems.