Majority Requires Landlords To Disclose Bed Bug History To Potential Tenants

The Senate Democratic Majority has passed legislation (S8130), sponsored by Senator José Peralta (D-Queens), to protect tenants from unknowingly moving into a property with a history of bed bug infestations. This legislation requires property owners or landlords within New York City to disclose infestation history to potential tenants prior to leasing.
 
According to the National Pest Management Association, bedbug complaints have increased 50 fold over the last five years, appearing in apartments, mansions and dormitories in nearly every corner of the nation
 
Ridding an infested apartment of bed bugs is a daunting and very expensive task; because bed bugs can live up to one year without feeding, an apartment seemingly clear could actually remain infested with tenants unaware until long after they move in.
 
This information will help tenants make an informed decision about renting, and are compelled by the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal to provide it, should they resist upon request.
 
Senator Peralta, who Chairs the Consumer Protection Committee said, “Bedbugs have become an insidious nuisance for renters throughout the state because landlords often times do not disclose infestations. Tenants have the right to know if the apartment or house they are renting was previously occupied by bedbugs."
 
For more information about this legislation visit: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S8130
 
Senator Diane J. Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said, “Bedbugs are not just a nuisance, they can wreak havoc on your home and life.  Tenants have the right to make informed decisions when looking for a place to live, especially in the case of bad bug infestations, which can be notoriously difficult to get rid of.  I commend Senator Peralta for addressing this serious issue.”
 
Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) said, “This is a very basic protection for tenants from the physical, emotional and financial havoc bed bugs put upon renters. If landlords know they will be forced to disclose previous infestations then they are much likely to address the problem when it is first discovered, instead of waiting until renters are trapped in a lease.”
 
Senate Democrats also passed legislation (S7316B/Peralta) to prevent bedbug cross-contamination. Because cross-contamination between contaminated used – as well as new – furniture has contributed to the recent rise in bedbug infestation, no used bedding is allowed to be transported, stored or sold with new bedding unless the used bedding has been sanitized by an approved department of health method.  The law further clarifies that “new” bedding is bedding that has never been used or returned after purchase.