Finding bed bugs in a rental property can create a stressful situation for both tenants and landlords. Beyond figuring out how to eliminate the infestation, you may wonder who needs to report the problem, what landlords must provide, and what tenants should do once they discover bed bugs.
Arizona has specific laws addressing bed bugs in certain rental properties. Understanding those responsibilities, along with acting quickly when an infestation is suspected, can help tenants and property owners address the problem before it has more time to spread.
This article provides general information and is not intended as legal advice.
What Does Arizona Law Say About Bed Bugs in Rentals?
Arizona has a specific section of its Residential Landlord and Tenant Act addressing bed bug control and landlord and tenant obligations.
Under A.R.S. § 33-1319, landlords covered by the law must provide bed bug educational materials to both existing and new tenants. These materials may include information about identifying bed bugs, preventing infestations, and behaviors that may increase the risk of bringing bed bugs into a rental property.
The law also states that a landlord may not knowingly enter into a lease for a dwelling unit that currently has a bed bug infestation.
What Should Tenants Do If They Find Bed Bugs?
Tenants have responsibilities under the law as well. A tenant who knows bed bugs are present must notify the landlord in writing or electronically.
Reporting the problem quickly is important because bed bugs can spread beyond a mattress into furniture, baseboards, wall crevices, electrical outlets, and other areas. Knowing how to identify bed bugs in your home can help tenants recognize signs such as:
- Live bed bugs
- Small dark spots on mattresses or bedding
- Shed skins
- Tiny eggs or eggshells
- Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
Tenants are also prohibited from knowingly bringing bed bug-infested materials into a dwelling unit. That can include infested furniture, mattresses, clothing, or other belongings.
What Are Landlords Required to Do?
Arizona law requires covered landlords to provide tenants with educational information about bed bugs and prohibits knowingly leasing a unit with a current infestation.
The broader Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act also establishes other rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants. Because individual circumstances can differ, questions about responsibility for treatment costs, lease obligations, or legal disputes may require guidance from an attorney or appropriate legal resource.
From a pest-control standpoint, what matters is addressing suspected bed bug activity quickly. In apartment communities and other multifamily properties, waiting can give bed bugs additional opportunities to move through belongings or into nearby areas.
Why Bed Bugs Can Be Complicated in Apartments
Bed bugs are excellent at hiding and can fit into extremely small spaces. In multifamily properties, that can make an infestation particularly challenging.
They may hide in mattresses and furniture, but there are also many surprising places bed bugs can hide, including electrical outlets, wall crevices, curtains, luggage, and electronics.
Because apartments are close together, determining the extent of an infestation is an important part of deciding how it should be addressed. A professional inspection can help identify where bed bug activity is occurring, rather than relying only on visible bugs or bites.
Does Arizona’s Bed Bug Law Apply to Single-Family Rentals?
There is an important distinction in Arizona’s bed bug statute. A.R.S. § 33-1319 specifically states that landlords and tenants of single-family residences are excluded from the provisions of that section.
That does not necessarily mean other provisions of Arizona landlord-tenant law do not apply. The statute also says it does not limit other rights, remedies, or obligations under the broader chapter.
Tenants or landlords with questions about their specific legal situation can consult the Arizona Department of Housing’s landlord and tenant resources or seek qualified legal guidance.
What Should You Do When Bed Bugs Are Found in a Rental?
If you suspect bed bugs, avoid moving furniture, bedding, clothing, or other belongings into different rooms or units unless necessary. Moving infested items can give bed bugs another opportunity to spread.
Tenants should document what they find and notify the landlord in writing or electronically. Property owners or managers should take reports seriously and arrange for the situation to be evaluated.
Trying to solve the problem with store-bought sprays can also make the situation more complicated. DIY bed bug removal may miss bugs or eggs hiding deep inside furniture, cracks, and other protected spaces.
Professional Bed Bug Treatment for Arizona Rental Properties
Bed bugs can create challenges for tenants, landlords, and property managers, but identifying and addressing the problem quickly can make the situation easier to manage.
At Bed Bugs Arizona, we specialize exclusively in bed bug inspection, treatment, and removal and have experience working with apartment communities and other properties throughout Arizona. We provide free, no-obligation in-home inspections, and our Pro-Treat Plus treatment targets bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle. Professional treatments include a second service approximately two weeks later and are backed by a one-year warranty.
If you suspect bed bugs in a rental property in Phoenix, Tucson, or another Arizona community, call (480) 901-0070 to schedule a free inspection.