Does my NYC landlord have to pay for bed bug treatment?

In NYC, landlords are generally responsible for eradicating bed bug infestations in rental housing as part of maintaining habitable conditions. Tenants should report the infestation in writing promptly.

What is the NYC bed bug disclosure form?

New York requires landlords to provide tenants an annual bed bug history disclosure stating the building's bed bug infestation history for the previous year, at the start of a lease and annually.

What should I do if I find bed bugs in my rental?

Report the infestation to your landlord or management company in writing immediately, keep a dated copy, and document the bugs with photos. Prompt written notice protects your rights and speeds treatment.

NYC Bed Bug Law: Landlord & Tenant Rights (Plain-English Guide)

Plain-English summary, not legal advice. This explains how NYC bed bug rules generally work. For a specific dispute, consult a tenant attorney or the relevant NYC agency.

What the law requires

New York City landlords must give tenants an annual bed bug history disclosure and are generally responsible for eradicating bed bug infestations in rental units. Two duties matter most:

Annual disclosure. Landlords must provide tenants a bed bug history disclosure — the building’s bed bug infestation history for the previous year — at lease signing and annually thereafter.
Eradication. As part of keeping a unit habitable, landlords are generally responsible for treating bed bug infestations in rental housing.

Landlord responsibilities

Provide the annual bed bug history disclosure form.
Arrange and pay for professional extermination of infestations in the unit.
Address infestations that spread between units in multi-family buildings.

Tenant responsibilities

Report infestations in writing promptly (and keep a dated copy).
Allow access for inspection and treatment, and follow preparation instructions.
Avoid actions that spread the infestation (e.g. moving infested furniture to common areas).

How to report an infestation (step by step)

Document it — photograph the bugs, bites and any spots on bedding.
Notify in writing — email or letter to your landlord/management; keep a dated copy.
Request professional treatment — DIY by tenants often worsens spread.
Escalate if ignored — unresolved infestations can be reported to the relevant NYC housing authority.

Why documentation matters

Because NYC requires disclosure of a building’s bed bug history, dated written records protect both tenants and owners. If you’re a landlord, professional treatment with documentation keeps you compliant; if you’re a tenant, written notice protects your rights.

Need treatment documented properly? See our bed bug treatment — we provide the documentation tenants, landlords and co-op boards need.