Charleston landlords must address bed bug infestations as a habitability and pest control issue under city property maintenance and state landlord-tenant duties. Tenants should report infestations promptly to preserve remedies.
Charleston does not have a stand-alone bed bug ordinance, but infestations fall under general property maintenance and habitability rules. Landlords must keep rental units free of vermin under West Virginia landlord-tenant law and the city housing code. Tenants are expected to report infestations promptly and cooperate with treatment, including laundering items and allowing access. Treatment costs typically fall to the landlord unless the tenant clearly introduced the infestation. Code enforcement can issue notices when landlords fail to act, and unresolved infestations can be cited as habitability defects.
Failure to treat reported infestations leads to housing code citations, daily fines, and potential rent abatement claims by tenants under state landlord-tenant remedies.
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