MCC 7-28-810 makes Chicago one of the strictest bed bug cities. Landlords must hire a licensed exterminator within 10 days of tenant notice, train staff on detection, and cannot dispose of infested furniture in public alleys. Illinois Bed Bug Control Act applies statewide.
Chicago's Bed Bug Control Ordinance, adopted in 2013 and codified at MCC 7-28-810 through 7-28-860, places primary treatment responsibility on landlords. After written tenant notice, the landlord has 10 days to retain a licensed pest control operator and must follow a written pest management plan. Owners of buildings with two or more units must train property staff annually on bed bug detection. Tenants must cooperate, prepare units, and not knowingly bring infested furniture inside. Discarded mattresses must be encased and labeled before curbside pickup. The Illinois Bed Bug Control Act preempts some sale rules but defers to local enforcement on rentals. CDPH and Buildings investigate complaints.
Each day of MCC 7-28-810 non-compliance carries $300 to $2,000 fines. Failure to train staff or post the brochure is a separate $300 violation. Tenants knowingly concealing infestations face $300-$1,000 fines and retreatment charges.
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See how Chicago's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
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