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Fairfax County, VA Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

State law
VA Code 55.1-1220
Landlord duty
Habitable premises
Tenant duty
Written notice required
County program
Education only

Summary

Bed bug infestations in Fairfax rentals fall under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act habitability duty. Landlords generally must treat infestations not caused by tenant fault.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A. The landlord shall:

1. Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;

2. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;

3. Keep all common areas shared by two or more dwelling units of a multifamily premises in a clean and structurally safe condition;

4. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him;

5. Maintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold and promptly respond to any notices from a tenant as provided in subdivision A 10 of § 55.1-1227 . Where there is visible evidence of mold, the landlord shall promptly remediate the mold conditions in accordance with the requirements of subsection E of § 8.01-226.12 and reinspect the dwelling unit to confirm that there is no longer visible evidence of mold in the dwelling unit.

6. Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the collection, storage, and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of dwelling units and arrange for the removal of same;

7. Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable air conditioning if provided and heat in season except where the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat, air conditioning, or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant or supplied by a direct public utility connection.

B. The landlord shall perform the duties imposed by subsection A in accordance with law; however, the landlord shall only be liable for the tenant's actual damages proximately caused by the landlord's failure to exercise ordinary care.

Source: Virginia Code 55.1-1220View official code

Full Breakdown

Virginia Code Section 55.1-1220 requires landlords to maintain fit and habitable premises, which Fairfax County interprets as including extermination of bed bugs not caused by the tenant. Tenants must promptly notify the landlord in writing once infestation is suspected. Single-family dwellings can shift extermination duty to tenants by written lease, but multi-family units almost always remain the landlord's responsibility. Fairfax County does not run a dedicated bed bug program, but the Health Department provides educational guidance and Code Compliance can address related sanitation issues. Tenants who give proper notice and receive no response may pursue remedies in General District Court.

Violations & Fines

Unresolved infestations can support tenant remedies under VRLTA including rent escrow, repair-and-deduct, or termination for material noncompliance with habitability obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must my landlord pay for bed bug treatment?
Generally yes for multi-family rentals, unless your lease for a single-family home explicitly assigns extermination duty and the infestation was tenant-caused.
Where do I report bed bugs in a hotel?
Contact the Fairfax County Health Department environmental health division. They inspect lodging establishments under state code 12VAC5-431.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

All Fairfax County rules

Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia public health rules overview

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