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Riverside County, CA Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Disclosure law
Civil Code 1954.603
Habitability
HSC 17920.3
Treatment requirement
Licensed pest control
Retaliation
Prohibited statewide

Summary

California Civil Code 1954.603 requires landlords to provide bed bug disclosures to tenants, and Riverside County Environmental Health responds to complaints involving habitability and licensed pest control treatments.

City-specific rules exist: Riverside has its own bed-bug rules rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in Riverside, check the city-specific page instead.

On and after July 1, 2017, prior to creating a new tenancy for a dwelling unit, a landlord shall provide a written notice to the prospective tenant as provided in this section. This notice shall be provided to all other tenants by January 1, 2018. The notice shall be in at least 10-point type and shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) General information about bed bug identification, behavior and biology, the importance of cooperation for prevention and treatment, and the importance of and for prompt written reporting of suspected infestations to the landlord. The information shall be in substantially the following form: Information about Bed Bugs Bed bug Appearance: Bed bugs have six legs. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies about 1/4 of an inch in length. Their color can vary from red and brown to copper colored. Young bed bugs are very small. Their bodies are about 1/16 of an inch in length. They have almost no color. [...] Common signs and symptoms of a possible bed bug infestation: Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, box springs, bed frames, mattresses, linens, upholstery, or walls. Molted bed bug skins, white, sticky eggs, or empty eggshells. Very heavily infested areas may have a characteristically sweet odor. Red, itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms, and other body parts exposed while sleeping. [...] (b) The procedure to report suspected infestations to the landlord.

Source: California Civil Code 1954.603View official code

Full Breakdown

California Civil Code sections 1954.600-1954.605 require all landlords to give tenants a written bed bug information notice at lease signing, prohibit retaliation for reporting infestations, and require landlords to investigate and abate using licensed pest control. Riverside County does not impose stricter rules but enforces habitability under Health and Safety Code 17920.3 if treatment is refused. Tenants should report failures to the city building department or, in unincorporated areas, Riverside County Code Enforcement. Treatment typically combines heat, vacuuming, and approved pesticides applied by licensed operators.

Violations & Fines

Failure to disclose, retaliation, or refusal to abate: code citations, civil suits, and habitability defenses to unlawful detainer actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must my landlord pay for bed bug treatment?
Yes. California treats bed bugs as a habitability issue, and landlords must hire licensed pest control unless the infestation is solely tenant-caused.
Where do I report an unaddressed infestation in unincorporated Riverside County?
Contact Riverside County Code Enforcement and Environmental Health. They can inspect and issue notices of violation requiring abatement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Riverside County

All Riverside County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California public health rules overview

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Bed-Bug Rules in Cities Across Riverside County