Bed bug extermination treatments are often expensive. Often times tenants are told by their landlord that they, the tenants, are responsible for paying for the treatment. However, in Carroll County, responsibility for extermination is determined by law, and not by the landlord.
What are Carrol County Laws on Bed Bug Extermination?
Tenants in Carroll County may not be responsible for the cost of extermination. Renters in Carrol County may be able to look to the property owner or property manager to assume responsibility for extermination treatments.
In Carroll County the property owner is responsible for exterminating any insects, rodents, or other pests on the premise before renting or leasing a unit. A property owner is also responsible for exterminating any insects, rodents, or other pests for the part of the property in the owner’s control unless the infestation is caused by a tenant’s lack of preventative action. In 2012, Carroll County had about 10,758 apartment dwellers.
Carroll County Code
We have included below some of the important statutes determining responsibility for exterminating bed bugs in Carroll County. Please keep in mind that codes may have changed since the time of this post, and that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these codes. Before relying solely on these codes, we suggest that you contact a lawyer.
§171.008 Definitions:
Extermination: The control and elimination of insects, rodents, or other pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food; by poison spraying, fumigating, trapping, or by any other pest elimination methods which have received all necessary and legally required approvals
§171.021 Responsibilities of Property Owner:
(F) Extermination:
(1) Before Occupancy: if necessary (due to infestation), the property owner shall be responsible for the prompt extermination of any insects, rodents, or other pests on the premises prior to renting or leasing a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
(2) When necessary: the property owner of a premises shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents, or other pests for that part of the premises which the property owner controls or uses except where the infestation is caused by the failure of a tenant to take responsible action to prevent such infestation of the premises
Caroll County Contact Information:
We recommend reporting bed bug infestations to the local Health Department and Code Enforcement officials. The numbers are as follows:
Carroll County Health Department: (410) 876-2152
Carroll County Code Enforcement: (410) 848-9000
If you or a family member became sick or injured due to bed bug bites, you may be able to recover medical costs. Further, if you are a renter and have experienced property damages or injury due to landlord negligence in handling an apartment infestation, you may be entitled to financial recovery.
To arrange for a free and confidential legal consultation with an experienced bed bug litigation attorney, call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000. While our law offices are located in Towson, we are prepared to handle cases arising throughout Carroll County.