How Can the Council Help With Bed Bugs?
WouterIf you live in private accommodation and you suspect that your property is infested with bed bugs, you can contact your local council for help. They can arrange for a pest control service to come and remove the bugs. However, you must pay the cost. You can also ask your landlord to help you.
The New York City Council has introduced legislation requiring landlords to report any bedbug infestations to the department, and it will make this information available to the public on their website. While this measure may not help everyone, it does give tenants more protection. The council should consider making the policy more comprehensive so that more landlords will report suspected bedbug infestations.
If you find a bedbug infestation in a rented property, you may be entitled to rent abatements. But you need to provide proof that your landlord is at fault for the infestation. You will need to document the fact that you were notified of the infestation, the steps you took to prepare for the extermination, and the steps your landlord took to get rid of the bugs.
The council also offers chargeable treatments for bedbug infestations that occur in occupied premises. However, you may prefer to hire an independent pest control company for this purpose. Bedbugs produce a foul smell and hide in furniture, clothes, and luggage. They come out at night when they are hungry, and leave blood specks on the affected area. You should consult a professional if you suspect that your home is infested with bedbugs, and vacuum your home regularly.
