Landlords and tenants urged to work together to tackle growing bed bug epidemic

Landlords need to work “proactively” with tenants to tackle the bed bug crisis, a leading property association has warned.

The National Association of Property Buyers warning comes after reports of some landlords telling tenants to put their duvets in the freezer to deal with the problem.

Data from pest control company Rentokil reveals a 65% increase in bedbug infestations in 2023 compared to last year.

Evidence that the problem is getting worse

Jonathan Rolande, a spokesman for the NAPB, said the law over who is responsible for dealing with bedbugs was a grey area.

He said: “There does appear to be evidence that this problem is getting worse, and landlords and tenants need to work proactively to deal with this.

“Issues with pests can sometimes be something of a grey area when it comes to putting things right – what is the landlord’s responsibility and what is the tenant’s is often a cause of argument.”

He added: “A tenant could be held responsible if they do something that encourages pests. Examples of this could be keeping a pet that has fleas, discarding food waste or not storing rubbish properly.

“Landlords are unlikely to be liable for bed bugs unless it can be proved the infestation was there prior to taking up residence.”

Bed bugs can live for six months without food

Some reports over the weekend suggested some landlords have started to advise tenants of the steps they can take to mitigate an infestation.

Rik Smith, director of tenancy services at Goodlord, issued guidance to tenants worried about bed bugs.

He suggests if you are concerned that you may have brought the bugs into the house, you should ‘put affected clothes and bedding in the freezer for a few hours before washing’.

You should also take steps to ‘wash bedding and clothes on a hot wash (at least 60C) and tumble dry on a hot setting for 30 minutes’.

He says it is important to hoover the house thoroughly and empty the bag – as the bugs may still be alive.

Mr Smith told the Daily Mail: “They are incredibly small – 5 to 7mm long – and it’s easy for them to get into a home without anyone noticing.

“Considering the bugs can live for up to six months without food, one of the most difficult problems people face is the fact they’re so hard to remove – and may only be noticed when there is a full infestation.”

Check insurance policies

The National Association of Property Buyers is urging landlords to check their insurance policies to carry out any work.

Mr Rolande said: “Any issue should be reported to the landlord or their agent. Works can then be carried out to eliminate the issue. This may include such things as fumigation, clearing accumulated rubbish, blocking cracks where vermin could be entering, or laying poison.

“Landlords should check any insurance policy they may have that could cover the cost of sorting it out.

“In blocks of flats, the managing agent may need to be involved and the cost taken from the maintenance fund but this will only be in cases where neither landlord or tenant are at fault.”

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