In July 2010, New York City enacted Local Law 35 to help combat the growing number of bed bug complaints. The law requires landlords or their agents to provide tenants with the following information:
The name, telephone number, and contact information for the landlord or agent;
- Information on methods for reporting a suspected infestation;
- Information on how to recognize a possible infestation; and
- Information about preventing an infestation.
Bed bugs do not recognize boundaries between apartments, so they can spread easily from one apartment to another within a building when conditions are right. By collecting this information, HPD hopes to minimize future infestations by providing as many efforts as possible to eradicate the pests when there is an outbreak in a multiple-dwelling building.
Additionally, tenants who submit complaints are also required to provide their names and addresses. HPD will collect this information so that inspectors can verify if a complaint has been filed. This is intended to reduce duplicate inspections in buildings where more than one apartment may be affected by bed bugs.
As such, you are encouraged strongly encouraged to report any suspected bed bug sightings in your residence and any unit(s) around it (e.g., neighbors) as soon as possible; doing so will enable HPD’s inspectors to conduct an investigation at all units where there is evidence of bed bug presence, including those where tenants were unwilling or unable to report such matters, while also allowing us greater opportunity for eradication of these pests across all units/apartments prior to an outbreak becoming widespread across a multiple dwelling building.
Why is HPD collecting bed bug complaint information?
- HPD is collecting bed bug complaint information to track the spread of bed bugs and make sure landlords are taking care of their problems.
- HPD is collecting bed bug complaint information to make sure tenants know their rights and pest management companies are doing their job.
- HPD is collecting bed bug complaint information so that the NYC Department of Health can monitor bed bug activity in the city and address any public health concerns.
What information will HPD collect, and how will it be used?
The HPD Bedbug Filing is a program that collects information about the location, type, and number of bed bugs found in an apartment. This information helps HPD track the spread of bed bugs and helps determine if landlords are complying with the law.
HPD will collect information about where you live (e.g., building name) and what type of apartment you live in (e.g., studio). They will also collect details about your landlord (e.g., name), such as whether they are licensed or certified by HPD as required by law. The filing will also include details about any steps taken by landlords to control or rid their buildings from infestations of pests such as rats or mice—but not necessarily their success rate at doing so.
Finally, HPD will collect information on whether there has been an active case against your landlord for code violations related to pest management practices within five years preceding the date when you filed this form; if so then this means he or she may be held responsible for taking care of any issues related to pests even though it could be outside his/her control due to factors such as age/maintenance problems etcetera.”
Responsibilities of The Landlord
When you notify your landlord that you have bed bugs, he or she may inspect your apartment to make sure it’s not caused by tenant neglect. The landlord must keep records of the inspection and provide you with a written report of their findings.
I have bed bugs in my apartment. What should I do?
If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Bedbugs can be hard to eliminate because they multiply quickly and hide in places that are hard to reach. To help prevent them from coming back, you should also get rid of their eggs and any hiding places they might have found. This includes removing clutter from your home, cleaning up areas where dirt or dust is accumulating (like under beds), and eliminating food sources that attract bugs like crumbs on the floor and stacks of old newspapers. The next step is getting rid of breeding sites for these pests by eliminating damp areas such as moldy basements or refrigerators with leaking pipes. Once all these steps are taken care of, you should consider doing an inspection every month so you know if there’s been any new activity at all
How to Document Bed Bug Bites
When you are bitten by bed bugs, it is important to document your bites. If you have not yet been bit, you should take pictures of the areas where they normally bite and keep track of what time they go away.
If you have already been bit, then keep the following items:
- The bugs that were on your body during a bite (if possible).
- The bedding and mattress (if possible) that was used in the place where they bit you. If there is no bedding, keep any other item that has had direct contact with them such as clothing or furniture. You may also want to note if there were any holes in the fabric which might mean that they were able to enter through them into your home or hotel room without being seen by anyone else who was there at the time.. You should also note whether or not there was anything around the area where these bites occurred so we can determine whether or not it could’ve caused irritation before going back out into public again later tonight when we get off work tonight.”
Will HPD inspect my apartment for bed bugs even if I don’t think it needs an inspection?
Yes, HPD will inspect your apartment. However, it is best to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection before filing a complaint. If you are being bitten by bed bugs and have evidence of their presence in your unit or adjacent units, file a complaint with HPD immediately as they will inspect your home as soon as possible. If you do not currently see any signs of bed bug activity but want to be proactive about preventing them from entering your home, we recommend hiring an experienced exterminator who can perform an inspection and treatment if needed.
What happens after an inspection finds evidence of bed bugs in my apartment?
If the landlord does not respond to the notice, HPD will conduct an inspection. At that point, if the inspector finds evidence of bed bugs in your apartment, HPD will issue a notice of violation. If you are still having problems with bed bugs after this point, contact our hotline at (212) 863-8334 to request an inspection.
If your landlord is providing you with a written statement that they have hired someone to address the problem within a certain timeframe (see below), it could be helpful for them to provide proof that they have met their obligations by providing copies of receipts or invoices related to services performed.
What happens if the situation cannot be resolved informally with the landlord and/or pest management company?
If you cannot resolve the situation informally with your landlord, HPD may be able to help.
HPD will inspect your apartment and make sure the landlord has hired a pest management company to handle the problem. If they have not done so, HPD will issue them both notices of violation. The pest management company will have 30 days to begin remediation efforts (or face being fined $1,000 per day), while the landlord could be fined $2,000 per day until all violations are corrected.
List Of Best Bed Bug Killers
Bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of because they hide in cracks, crevices, and other small spaces. If you have a serious infestation of bed bugs, you may need to hire a professional pest control company to help you get rid of them.
Here is a list of bed bug killers:
ZappBug Heater Bed Bug Killer with Real Reviews Time-Tested Excellent Customer Service
Price: $219.99
Features:
- Effective against bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs, nymphs, and adults.
- Heat-only bed bug solution.
- Easy to use: One person set-up, load with items, and press on. Tent folds flat for storage.
- Large-size chamber. Measures 23″ x 37.5″ x 23″ treats luggage, toys, and more
- 1500-watt programable heater & wireless thermometer ensure necessary treatment time inside the chamber
Portable Electric Bed Bug Sanitation Heater | Professional-Grade | Heat Treatment System and Equipment | Get Rid of Bugs | 19,000 BTU | ePro 400XP Bundle Package for 400-600 Sq Foot Room | Green
Price : $2,399.00
Features :
- 100% KILL: All the equipment and training you need to obtain a 100% kill of bed bugs every time! Modern bed bug populations are highly resistant to insecticides. Not to mention environmentally friendly, heat is known to be a very effective bed bug killer and can be used in many different ways to treat infestations.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: This package includes a powerful ePro 400XP electric heater, an Air Mover 4000, 4 power cords, 1 hand-held laser temp sensor, and 1 flash drive containing comprehensive video training (for the DIY-er or Pest Control Professional) to guarantee 100% kill of bed bugs and their eggs in rooms up to 400-600 square feet in just 8 hours.
- EPRO 400 XP ELECTRIC HEATER: Powerful 19,000 BTU output. Portable and lightweight, weighing only 28 pounds with dimensions 18″ L x 14″ W x 18″ H. The heater requires 46 amps for full operation.
- AIR MOVER 4000: Strong 4000 CFM output. Portable with a built-in handle for convenient storage and transportation. Lightweight weighing only 33 pounds, dimensions 21″ L x 12″ W x 22” H.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! All GreenTech Heat heaters come with a 2-year repair or replacement warranty and a 100% guarantee kill as long as the equipment is applied correctly.
ZappBug Room Bed Bug Heater for Beds and Couches | Real Reviews | Time-Tested | Excellent Customer Service…
Price : $1,695.00
Features :
- Large capacity heats furniture, mattresses and extra-large items above 120℉ 50℃ using four 1500W electric heaters
- The ZappBug Room system kills bed bugs in all stages of the parasites’ life cycle – eggs, nymphs and adults.
- Easy to use: set up, load with items, and press on, no need to bag items.
- Large collapsible treatment tent: Measures 111 inches-by-57.5 inches-by-80 inches
- Two carry bags allow for easy transportation by a single person
In Conclusion,
If you have questions or need more information, please contact HPD and ask to speak with a Bed Bug Infestation Prevention Specialist.