Manchester treats bed bug infestations as a habitability issue under Chapter 170 housing standards. Landlords must arrange professional treatment in rented units, and unresolved infestations can be cited as a Code Enforcement violation under Chapter 97.
NH does not have a dedicated bed bug statute, but Manchester enforces infestations through Chapter 170 (Housing) and Chapter 150 (Health), backed by NH RSA 48-A habitability law. Landlords are generally responsible for hiring a licensed pest control operator when infestation arises in a rental unit, particularly in multi-family buildings where treatment must include adjacent units. Tenants must cooperate with preparation and access. Manchester Code Enforcement under Chapter 97 can issue notices of violation if treatment is refused. Tenants may withhold rent only after following NH RSA 540:13-d procedures.
Landlord refusal to treat a confirmed infestation, tenant refusal to cooperate with treatment access, or unsanitary conditions worsening infestation can trigger Chapter 97 enforcement notices and fines.
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See how Manchester's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
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