Tenants - FAQ

1- How do I know if I have bedbugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed mainly on human blood and are increasingly common in urban areas, including New York City. Identifying bed bugs in your apartment involves recognizing the signs of their presence. Here are some signs of bedbug presence: (Also checkout NYC Bedbug App to see bedbug reports of any address in NYC.)

• Appearence: Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed, brown in color, with a flat, oval-shaped body. After feeding, their bodies may appear redder and more swollen.

• Bites on the Skin: Bedbug bites often appear as red, itchy welts on the skin, usually on areas exposed while sleeping like arms, legs, and the back. The bites can sometimes be in a line or cluster.

• On Bedding and Furniture: Look for tiny blood spots on sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses, which can result from the bugs being crushed. Small, dark spots of bedbug excrement can also be visible on bedding or walls.

• Eggs and Shells: Bed bugs lay small, white, elongated eggs that are difficult to see on light-colored surfaces. You might also find eggshells or shed skins in areas where bed bugs hide.

• Musty Odor: Heavy bedbug infestations can produce a musty, sweet smell, which is caused by their scent glands.

2- How can I report a bed bug problem in my apartment or building?

Tenants should promptly report the presence of bed bugs to the property owner or property manager. If the property owner does not address the issue, you can file a complaint online or call 311 for asssistance. During the call to 311, you may be asked if it's acceptable for HPD to bring a bed bug-sniffing dog to help inspect your apartment, though this request doesn't guarantee the presence of a dog during the inspection​​.

3. I am a tenant of a single occupancy (SRO), do I have to report bedbugs in my unit?

Yes, as a tenant of a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) unit, you should report the presence of bed bugs to the property owner. 

4. I am staying in a hotel, do I have to report bedbugs in my unit?

Yes, if you are staying in a hotel and encounter bed bugs in your room, you should report the issue.

5- What happens after I report a bed bug infestation to 311?

Once a bed bug complaint is made to 311, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) investigates the complaint. HPD will try to contact the building's managing agent to inform them about the complaint and the possibility of a violation if the issue is not immediately corrected. HPD may also follow up with the complainant to check if the condition was corrected. If not, or if HPD cannot reach the complainant, an inspection will be scheduled. The inspector will conduct a visual inspection, possibly with the help of a bed bug-sniffing dog, and if live bed bugs are confirmed, violations will be issued to the property owner​​.

6. Can I request an inspection by a bedbug-sniffing dog?

Yes, when reporting a bed bug infestation through 311, you can express your preference for an inspection to be conducted with the assistance of a bed bug-sniffing dog. However, indicating your preference does not guarantee that a dog will be available for your inspection; it only means that your complaint is eligible for such an inspection. The decision to use a dog for inspection depends on the availability of HPD's Canine Unit and the specifics of your complaint​​.

7. What should I do if the landlord does not take any action after I report bed bugs?

If the property owner does not address the bed bug condition after you have reported it, you can file a complaint with HPD through calling 311 or online. If the situation persists, you may consider taking legal action in Housing Court. It's crucial to document all communications with your landlord and HPD regarding the bed bug issue in your apartment, as this documentation can be used in court​​.

8. Are tenants responsible for the cost of bed bug extermination?

The responsibility for bedbug extermination often falls on the landlord or property owner, not the tenant. New York City's Housing Maintenance Code and Health Code require property owners to keep their properties free of bedbug infestations and address them promptly if they occur. However, it's important for tenants to cooperate with the extermination efforts by preparing their apartments accordingly and following any recommendations made by the pest control professionals​​.