Regular inspections are essential to combat bed bug epidemic

Regular inspections are essential to combat bed bug epidemic

0:01 AM, 16th November 2023, About 6 months ago 5

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Regular property inspections are crucial to tackling the bed bug crisis, says inventory chief.

Daniel Evans, chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks, said dealing with any infestation early was vitally important.

This comes after newspaper reports of “bed bug invaders” across the UK with cities like London and Manchester being bed bug hotspots.

No property is safe from pests

Mr Evans warns that bed bugs can take over a rented property very quickly.

He said: “The risk with rented properties is that the owner isn’t on the premises very often. It could be a few weeks before a tenant realises that the property has been infested and by then the problem will be far worse.”

“No property is safe from pests – but the earlier you can tackle the problem, the better.”

Difficult to remove

Bed bugs are extremely difficult to remove. According to the NHS, they can make their homes in sofas, curtains, behind pictures and under wallpaper.

Although their bites are not considered dangerous, they can be itchy and leave their victim covered in red spots.

The pests can live for six months without food and a single bedbug can produce hundreds of offspring in a few months.

Any infestation is caught early

Mr Evans said the responsibility of bed bugs is a grey area, but the most important thing is to do regular inspections to check for any pests.

He said: “It is the landlords who have a duty of care to their tenants.

“A thorough inspection at check-in can ensure that the property is safe before tenants move in and regular checks throughout the rental term can ensure the home is free from bedbugs and other pests that infest properties like rats, mice or cockroaches.”

He added: “If they’re spotted at check-in, inventory clerks will gather photographic evidence which will be sent to the landlord who can then alert pest control.

“If they appear mid-term, it may be the tenant’s responsibility but the important thing is that any infestation is caught early before too much damage is done.”


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Comments

Denise G

10:37 AM, 16th November 2023, About 6 months ago

When I mentioned this new 'guidance' to my husband he JOKED "I suppose it's our fault if tenants get bed bugs". Then I read that the responsibility for bed bugs is "a grey area, but ... it is the landlords who have a duty of care to their tenants" and then when I read further still I found "if they appear mid-term it may be the tenant’s responsibility ..." Only MAY be?????
Please tell me it's the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks who are joking!

Martin Roberts

12:17 PM, 16th November 2023, About 6 months ago

Regular inspection of tenant's bedding - harassment?

Next I can see Rent Repayment Order if landlord 'allows' bed bugs, so tenant 'discovers' bed bugs.

NewYorkie

13:06 PM, 16th November 2023, About 6 months ago

If no bugs at start of tenancy, then it's the tenant's responsibility. I would go further, and say the tenant should pay if there are bugs [of any type!] at the end of the tenancy.

Denise G

17:05 PM, 16th November 2023, About 6 months ago

Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 16/11/2023 - 13:06
but that of course would be the common sense approach!

Reluctant Landlord

17:30 PM, 16th November 2023, About 6 months ago

I have the answer!

Only rent your property with bare walls and no carpet. Include only lino in the kitchen and bathroom. No furnishings of any kind. Avoid all potenatial risks in one stroke...

Rent on the same level as social housing providers do. It seems we are spoiling our paying tenants by offering them homely comfort...

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