Some people think that the law in the United States is the same everywhere. This can certainly not be said about bed bugs, as there are many laws governing how landlords must conduct themselves in regards to bed bugs. There are also laws around how long a landlord has to get rid of bed bugs and what they must do if they’re found on a premise. These laws will depend on the state in which you reside, but this article aims to help residents from various states understand their legal rights. In New Jersey, a landlord is legally responsible for getting rid of bed bugs. Landlords must take steps to make sure that their property does not have bed bugs. However, the exact laws for getting rid of bed bugs are complicated because different local laws apply.

New Jersey Bed Bug Laws

Introduction

Bed bugs are a growing problem in New Jersey, and bedding manufacturers and property owners need to be aware of the laws governing bed bug prevention.

New Jersey adopted a new bed bug law in January 2017, which is effective immediately. The law imposes specific responsibilities on landlords, tenants, pest management professionals and even hotels.

New Jersey adopted a new bed bug law in January 2017, which is effective immediately. The law imposes specific responsibilities on landlords, tenants, pest management professionals and even hotels.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any individual to engage in an “unreasonable” bed bug infestation of their residence. That includes things like not allowing the landlord access to inspect for bed bugs or not taking steps to clean up after getting rid of them yourself.

Section 1 – Rights of tenants

In New Jersey, the landlord is responsible for paying all costs related to bed bug treatment. This means that tenants should not be required to pay for any extermination services or supplies. In addition, landlords are required to provide written notice of their intent to evict any tenant who refuses to cooperate in a bed bug treatment plan or who has been late with rent payments more than 30 days in a row (or 120 days total).

Section 2 – Duties of homeowners

If you live in a building with three or more units, then you are the owner. If your unit is in a building with fewer than three units, then you are considered a tenant. As an owner, you have certain responsibilities to your tenants regarding bed bugs.

• You must inform your tenants about any bed bug infestations that occur in their unit or apartment. You can do this by putting up signs in common areas warning of the infestation and/or sending email notifications to all of your tenants (if they gave their email addresses when they moved into the apartment).
• You must provide all relevant information about how to prevent and treat bed bug infestations to each tenant who lives in one of your rental units that has been affected by them. This includes where they can find products like sprays or traps as well as how often they should be used; what steps should be taken after treatment has occurred; and what else should be done if there is any concern about re-infestation at some point down the line (for example, if someone travels for work).

Section 3 – Inspections by owners and homeowners

When it comes to inspections, the landlord is responsible for the first inspection. If any evidence of bed bugs is found at that time, they’ll have to pay for treatment.

If bed bugs are found in a unit after this first inspection, both the tenant and landlord must agree on a schedule and location where another inspection will take place. The second inspection should happen within 24 hours or as soon after treatment as possible.

If no further evidence of bed bugs has been found by then (they’re still out there), tenants will be required to keep up their end of the bargain: make sure all belongings are clean before moving back into their apartment or unit. Tenants also need to notify landlords if any new information comes up about what may have caused an infestation in their unit before last year’s final inspections were completed!

Section 4 – Duties of tenants

• Duties of tenants

a. Tenants must comply with all reasonable requests of the owner or occupant of the property to prevent bed bugs from entering their unit, and must take all reasonable measures to ensure that bed bugs do not enter their unit.

b. If a tenant has knowledge that an infestation exists in a common area such as a laundry room, hallways, or stairwells, they must notify the owner or occupant immediately after discovery; if they have knowledge that an infestation exists in their dwelling unit they must also notify the landlord immediately after discovery; failure to do so may result in fines up to $500 per day for each occurrence

Section 5 – Treatment by owner or tenant

If you are the owner or tenant of a rental unit, you must notify the other person in writing about any bed bug treatment performed by a pest management professional.

If you are a tenant, your landlord is responsible for paying any fees associated with the treatment. In addition, if there was damage to your property as a result of this treatment, then it’s up to the landlord to cover that cost as well. You will be expected to be present during this process so that an accurate inspection can take place regarding what needs to be treated and when it needs to happen again (if needed). If at any time during these procedures any violations occur (such as having an unauthorized pet), then there could also be consequences related thereto

Section 6 – Notification to other tenants and prospective tenants

A tenant must notify all other tenants and prospective tenants of the presence of bed bugs.

The notice shall be provided in writing. The notice shall be given by certified mail or hand delivery to each affected tenant, or to his/her authorized representative. If a tenant cannot be so notified, then he may post the notice on the front door of each unit occupied by an affected tenant where it can be read easily.

The manner or form of providing this information to other tenants should reasonably ensure that it will reach them (for example: posting notices on doors). The time frame within which such notices must be provided is reasonable under all circumstances.

Section 7 – Disclosure by owner to tenant

Bed bug infestations are not the landlord’s problem alone. As part of your responsibilities as a tenant, you must let your landlord know if you suspect that there is an infestation in one of the units on the property. Failure to do so could lead to legal consequences for both parties, including eviction from the rental property.

As such, landlords must disclose whether or not there have been bed bug issues on their premises in writing at least twice during a lease agreement: once when they offer it and again before lease renewal time rolls around. If no mention has been made of any previous problems with these tiny parasites by this point, then there should be no reason for concern about them entering into future agreements either!

Bed bugs are a serious problem in New Jersey.

Bed bugs are a serious problem in New Jersey. They’re also a problem in many other states and countries. You can find them at hotels, movie theaters, and even on airlines.

Conclusion

If you have bed bugs or are worried about them, it’s important to know that these laws protect you as a renter and give you options for dealing with an infestation. If you do find yourself in an apartment with a bed bug problem, the best course of action is to call your landlord immediately and report the issue. If they don’t take action within five days, you can terminate your lease with no penalty—but if you stay past the deadline, then it will be more difficult for you to break your lease later on down the road if necessary.