My landlord knew about bed bugs before I moved in

What kind of action should I take when my landlord knew there was an infestation before we moved in and didn't treat it or tell us?

Editor Response

We're not lawyers, so this is general information only. Some states and cities require landlords to disclose bed bugs. New York City requires owners to disclose a building's bed bug history from the past year to new tenants. Maine bars landlords from renting a unit they know or suspect has bed bugs and requires them to tell prospective tenants if a neighboring unit is infested or being treated. Many places also require landlords to treat infestations. Report the problem to your landlord in writing, keep copies, photos and records of bites and costs, and contact your local health department or code enforcement office if the landlord doesn't act. A tenant rights organization or attorney can tell you whether you have a claim where you live.