Under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code and Boston Inspectional Services rules, landlords are presumed responsible for treating bed bug infestations in rental units and must hire licensed pest control operators rather than relying on tenants.
Massachusetts 105 CMR 410, the State Sanitary Code Chapter II, requires owners of rental dwellings to maintain units free of insect infestation including bed bugs, and to hire a licensed pest control operator for treatment. Boston ISD enforces these rules locally and can issue orders to correct after a tenant complaint or routine inspection. Tenants must give reasonable access for treatment and follow preparation instructions, but cannot be charged for extermination unless the owner proves the tenant caused the infestation. ISD typically requires re-treatment cycles spaced 10 to 14 days apart and may revisit until the unit is verified clear.
Failing to treat after a written ISD order, charging tenants for required extermination, or hiring an unlicensed exterminator can lead to per-day fines, civil rent withholding rights, and Housing Court enforcement actions.
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See how Boston's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
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